Cameron Smith is suffering from medical condition that is unsurprising
Eagle-eyed viewers noticed Cameron Smith was wearing protective eyewear during the first tournament of LIV Golf's 2024 campaign in Mayakoba.
Eagle-eyed viewers watching coverage of LIV Golf over the weekend noticed something a little bit off about Cameron Smith.
Smith played the entirety of LIV Golf Mayakoba wearing sunglasses.
That's not out of the ordinary, given how hot and sunny it was at the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón.
But it became a concern when Smith didn't take his sunglasses off over short shots.
No, the glasses were not part of a fashion statement by Smith but he has in fact been diagnosed with Surfer's Eye (Pterygium), per Golf Injury Report.
The condition - which sees a mass of blood vessels grow in the conjunctiva - is easily treatable but it sounds fairly uncomfortable for those affected.
The symptoms include red, irritated, swollen and dry eyes. It can also feel like you have sand or grit constantly in them.
The disease happens due to long exposure to UV rays.
That obviously affects professional golfers like Smith but the Aussie is also known for his love of fishing and being in the great outdoors.
When he's not playing golf, he's usually spending time with his wife Shanel Naoum or on the water with his buddies.
Smith finished T-8 in the first LIV Golf event of 2024 alongside recent addition Tyrrell Hatton and former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.
His side, Ripper, finished fourth. Smith's side now consists of Marc Leishman, Matt Jones and Lucas Herbert.
Smith and LIV are now headed to Las Vegas for the second event of the breakaway tour's third campaign.
Smith's potential Olympic heartbreak
Smith is hoping he can still earn a spot for next year's Olympic Games in Paris.
But his allegiance to LIV Golf may cost him as the tour continues to not be accredited by the Official World Golf Ranking
Olympic qualification is handed to each nation's two highest-placed players in the OWGR.
Projections suggest he may lose out on this spot
Opening up about this subject recently, Smith said: "I definitely want to be there. I know the criteria."
He added: "Hopefully I can keep that ranking up and wear the coat of arms on the chest again. It's pretty special"
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