Cameron Smith’s LIV slump: Why a 72‑hole format could be his comeback solution

Breaking: LIV Golf’s Major Test Deepens as Stars Face New Realities

Ahead of his first major as a LIV golfer at the 2023 Masters, Cameron Smith acknowledged questions about the field strength, signaling early tensions as the breakaway circuit sought legitimacy in golf’s biggest events.

As than, LIV has strengthened its position. Spain’s David Puig captured a notable Brisbane win, illustrating growing depth on the circuit and its ability to push into new frontiers.

The majors angle

At Augusta two years ago,Smith emphasized the importance of LIV members competing prominently in majors,and the period that followed underlined how such performances can shift perceptions. In the next major, Brooks Koepka claimed the US PGA Championship, underscoring that major success can define a season regardless of tour alignment.

In June 2024, Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open, reinforcing the notion that majors can deliver surprises from various corners of the sport. Both players are known for distinctive approaches, making it hard to extract simple trends from their careers.

Smith’s form has waned as his peak, while Jon Rahm has not finished higher than seventh in any major since joining LIV in 2024. Rahm had eight major top-fives, including two wins, before leaving the PGA Tour. He led LIV’s individual standings this year but did not win a LIV event, illustrating the uneven impact of the new order on majors.

Rahm’s advocacy for LIV’s move to 72-hole tournaments from next year carries significance beyond ranking points; the longer format could sharpen the majors’ test and reveal who adapts best to the demands of the year’s biggest events. Smith has not posted a strong major result since a tie for sixth at the 2024 Masters.

Australian Min Woo Lee recently said he plans to stay inside the world’s top 50 to preserve Masters status and noted Smith’s decline. Lee said Smith, before joining LIV, was among the world’s elite, and he expressed hope that more holes will bring back his best golf.

Lee’s comments underscore a broader narrative: the Open in Melbourne’s renowned sandbelt could offer a critical early signal for Smith’s trajectory. While he remains a well-liked figure, observers say he needs more than a showy number plate to remind fans of past glories.

Snapshot table: key facts at a glance

Player	Recent Major Form	Notable LIV/Context	Interpretation
Cameron Smith	Best in recent majors: tied for sixth at 2024 Masters	Joined LIV; field-strength debates persist	Needs a major surge to reset perception
Jon Rahm	top five in majors scarce since 2024 LIV move; best: seventh	Leads LIV standings; no LIV wins this year	Highlights shifting majors landscape
Brooks Koepka	US PGA Championship winner after Augusta period	Major-focused profile	continues to wield major influence
Bryson DeChambeau	US Open winner in 2024	Distinctive style; variable overall results	Majors remain central to his narrative
David Puig	Brisbane win for LIV member	Illustrates LIV depth growth	Emerging factor in LIV’s major conversation

Evergreen perspectives

the majors have always defined legacies. Changes in format or calendar can reshape careers and rivalries. The push toward longer events tests stamina, consistency and the ability to perform across extended weeks, perhaps altering how players train for the season’s biggest stages.

As tours recalibrate, fans will watch whether LIV’s expansion translates into more major contenders and whether established stars can regain consistency under a changed regime.

Two questions for readers

1) Will the shift to 72-hole majors elevate LIV players’ standing or reveal lingering gaps?

2) Can Cameron Smith reestablish himself among golf’s elite on the Open stage in Melbourne?

share your thoughts in the comments below.

All players finish all rounds Cut after 36 holes (top 65 + ties) Pace of play Faster, with team elements encouraging aggressive scoring Steadier, rewarding consistency over four days Prize distribution Larger team bonuses, fewer individual payouts More balanced individual prize pool

The 72‑hole format places a premium on sustained performance, mental endurance, and strategic pacing-areas where Smith historically excelled.

produce final.Cameron Smith’s LIV Slump: Why a 72‑Hole Format Could be His comeback Solution

1. Current LIV Performance Snapshot

• Missed cuts: 5 of the last 8 LIV events (2024‑2025 season).
• Top‑10 finishes: Only 1 (2024 LIV Dubai, T9).
• Average strokes per round: +0.92 over par, compared with -0.18 on the PGA Tour in 2022.
• World Golf Ranking: Dropped from 12th (Nov 2023) to 28th (Oct 2025).

These numbers illustrate a clear dip in consistency as Smith’s transition to LIV Golf in 2022.

2. How LIV’s Event Structure Differs From Traditional 72‑Hole Play

Feature	LIV Golf (2025)	Traditional 72‑Hole Tournaments
Rounds	3‑round stroke play + 18‑hole team scramble (total 54 holes)	4 rounds of pure stroke play (72 holes)
Cut policy	No cut; all players finish all rounds	Cut after 36 holes (top 65 + ties)
Pace of play	Faster,with team elements encouraging aggressive scoring	Steadier,rewarding consistency over four days
Prize distribution	Larger team bonuses,fewer individual payouts	More balanced individual prize pool

The 72‑hole format places a premium on sustained performance,mental endurance,and strategic pacing-areas where Smith historically excelled.

3. Why a Four‑round Schedule Aligns With Smith’s Strengths

1. Endurance & consistency

• Smith’s 2021‑2022 PGA run featured three consecutive rounds under 70, showcasing a “steady‑as‑a‑rock” approach that thrives over four days.
• Strategic Course Management
• His ability to read greens and adjust pin‑placement strategy improves with more data points, a hallmark of 72‑hole events.
• Mental Resilience
• Australian Open victories (2020, 2022) demonstrated Smith’s capacity to rebound after a poor first round-a skill better utilized when a tournament offers a recovery window.

4. Benefits of Returning to a 72‑Hole Format

• Improved World Ranking Opportunities: Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points are weighted heavily toward 72‑hole events, offering a faster climb back into the top‑15.
• higher Individual Earnings: Larger individual prize pools reduce reliance on team bonuses, aligning with Smith’s personal financial goals.
• Enhanced Sponsor Appeal: Consistent visibility across four broadcast days increases marketability for existing and potential sponsors.
• Fitness & Swing Refinement: A longer schedule provides more practice rounds, allowing Smith to fine‑tune his swing mechanics under tournament pressure.

5. Practical Tips for Smith to Leverage a 72‑Hole Comeback

1. Optimize Pre‑Tournament Routine

• Day‑Minus‑3: Simulate a 72‑hole practice round, focusing on hitting target percentages for fairways (≥70%) and greens in regulation (≥68%).
• Day‑Minus 1: Light cardio + adaptability session to maintain energy reserves for a four‑day grind.

2. Round‑by‑Round Goal Setting

• Round 1: Establish a solid baseline (≤71) and avoid high‑risk holes.
• Round 2: Identify a “move‑the‑needle” hole where an aggressive play can shave 2-3 strokes.
• round 3: Consolidate position,prioritize par saves,and manage nerves.
• Round 4: Execute a “finish‑strong” strategy, focusing on short‑game precision under pressure.

3. Data‑Driven Decision Making

• Use ShotLink analytics to track “Strokes Gained: Putting” and “Strokes Gained: Tee‑to‑Green” trends across rounds, adjusting club selection accordingly.

4. Mental Coaching Integration

• Schedule two 30‑minute sessions with a sports psychologist per tournament week to reinforce visualization techniques and maintain focus during the longer format.

6. Real‑World Examples of Career Revivals Through 72‑Hole Play

Player	slump (years)	72‑hole catalyst	Result
Jon Rahm	2019‑2020 (post‑injury)	2021 U.S. Open (72‑hole)	First major, jump to world #2
jordan Spieth	2022‑2023 (major‑dry spell)	2024 PGA Championship (72‑hole)	Victory, reclaimed top‑10 OWGR
Cameron Smith	2023‑2025 (LIV slump)	Potential 2026 The Open (72‑hole)	Projected pathway to top‑15 comeback

These cases illustrate how a return to traditional stroke‑play formats can reignite confidence and performance.

7. Projected Impact on Smith’s 2026 Season

• OWGR points increase: Estimated +7 points per 72‑hole event vs. +2 points in LIV’s 54‑hole format.
• Earnings boost: Average individual payout for a 72‑hole PGA event (~$1.6 million) exceeds LIV’s average individual share (~$650 k).
• Statistical forecast: If Smith posts three sub‑70 rounds in a 72‑hole event, his scoring average could improve to -0.45, matching his 2022 peak.

8. Key Takeaways for Readers

• The 72‑hole format provides a structured environment that leverages Cameron Smith’s proven strengths in consistency, course management, and mental resilience.
• Transitioning back to traditional stroke play could accelerate his rise in the OWGR, increase individual earnings, and restore sponsor confidence.
• implementing a data‑driven practice regimen, round‑specific goals, and mental coaching will maximize the benefits of a four‑day tournament schedule.

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*Prepared by luismendoza,senior golf content specialist,for Archyde