Cam Smith won the Claret Jug at St Andrews in 2022, had a ball sipping beer from it with his mates for a year, nearly shed a tear when he had to give it back on Monday and can envisage himself collecting it again on Sunday.
But while the unassuming Queenslander reckons there’s about 50 blokes from all over the world capable of succeeding him as champion at Royal Liverpool this week, he’s also left nine of his compatriots believing anything’s possible.
Smith broke a 29-year drought when he became the first Australian to win the Jug since Greg Norman in 1993.
His victory at the home of golf in the 150th edition, spectacularly sealed with a round from the gods, has inspired every golfer in the country.
From a couple of the best in the business – Adam Scott and Jason Day – to World No.1140 Connor McKinney and fun-loving amateur Harrison Crowe,…