Cameron Smith

Amateur exploits set the tone for professional excellence

Born in Modesto, California, in September 1991, Cameron Smith made his first blip on golf’s radar when he won the state junior championship in 2010 at the age of 16.

He attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and in June 2015 he won the prestigious NCAA Division 1 Individual Championship. Two months later he became only the fifth man to double up by adding the U.S. Amateur title in the same year, emulating the likes of Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Jack Nicklaus.

By this point, Cameron was competing in PGA Tour events as an amateur, and he finished tied for second in the 2015 Australian Masters. The following spring, he was the top amateur at the Masters; he finished tied for 21st in what would be his last tournament as an amateur.

Early Tour successes and a first major title

Cameron Smith recorded his first PGA Tour success with a one-stroke victory at the John Deere Classic in 2017, just over a year after he turned pro. He followed that up with a stellar year in 2018, winning four Tour events and finishing the year ranked No. 5 in the world. More success followed in early 2019 as he took the Dubai Desert Classic, his first victory on the European Tour.
Cameron was already renowned as one of the longest hitters in the game. But late in 2019 he took a deliberate decision to add muscle to his tall frame so that he could power the ball even further.

Over the next 12 months, he added about 40 pounds in weight and became the clear leader in driving distance. The extra length paid off handsomely at Winged Foot, the venue for the 2020 U.S. Open, which had been lengthened to nearly 7,500 yards. Cameron produced four rounds of par 70 or better, and was the only player under par for the week as he clinched a six-stroke victory and his first major title.