Cameron Smith has brought in Claude Harmon III as his new swing coach, a move confirmed days before the PGA Championship. This significant alteration to his professional setup follows a string of disappointing results in major tournaments, culminating in a missed cut at The Masters. Smith described the necessary separation from his childhood coach, Grant Field, as a "terrible conversation."
The Australian golfer's decision to enlist Harmon III, whose father previously mentored Tiger Woods, comes after Smith experienced his sixth consecutive missed cut in a major championship at Augusta National. The switch aims to address a perceived overthinking of his swing, a problem Smith noted has hampered his performance.
A 'Devastating' Performance Sparks Change
Smith's struggles at The Masters last month were cited as the primary catalyst for the coaching overhaul. Rounds of 74 and 77 at Augusta National led to his premature exit, leaving the golfer "completely disillusioned" with his game. This performance directly precipitated the difficult decision to part ways with Field, a coach who had been with Smith since his junior days in Brisbane.
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"I think what I've done is right." - Cameron Smith
Harmon III, who also works with fellow LIV Golf player Dustin Johnson, has reportedly simplified Smith's approach, focusing his thoughts to enable clearer execution on the course. This change comes as Smith aims to regain form in major championships, a circuit where he has struggled significantly since his move to LIV Golf.
Background: A Slump in Majors
Since joining LIV Golf, Smith has found it difficult to replicate his past successes on the major stage. His last six major appearances have all resulted in missed cuts, a stark contrast to his prior standing as a top-ranked player and a major winner. This slump has fueled speculation about his future performance in golf's most prestigious events. Smith himself has expressed a determination to reverse this trend, having recently stated he still possesses the "fire in the belly" for competition. The move to Harmon III is seen as a potential turning point, with the efficacy of this "game-changing move" to be tested at the upcoming PGA Championship.
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