Cameron Smith believes a change in the LIV Golf schedule can help him secure a maiden Green Jacket at next week’s Masters Tournament.
The Australian heads into the first Major Championship of the year more prepared and match fit than he was last year when he finished in a share of 34th at Augusta National, with LIV Golf only hosting three tournaments in the lead-up to the prestigious event.
This time around, he will have played five events on the LIV Golf schedule after stops in Mayakoba, Las Vegas, Jeddah, Hong Kong and this week’s tournament in Miami.
"Last year we only got to play three events before the Masters. This will be our fifth event this week before the Masters," Smith told Australian Associated Press.
"It's definitely one of the things we spoke about as a whole group.
"So, it's a little bit more tournament time just being competitive. It will help a lot in itself, but also just obviously picking the clubs up a little bit earlier.
"There were a few things that needed to change and they (LIV) changed it, so it's been great for us."
Despite not winning there, Augusta National has been a happy hunting ground for Smith.
The 30-year-old has four top ten finishes at the iconic venue, including a runner-up finish in 2020 where he became the first player to shoot four rounds in the 60s.
"It's unbelievable, probably the best week of the year for everything," said Smith.
"As soon as the New Year begins, as soon as you pick the clubs back up, kind of after Christmas, you're straight into it and you're definitely thinking about Augusta.
"I don't think there's really anything specific. It's kind of in the back of your mind.
"Obviously there's tournaments in between the New Year and Augusta that you're trying to prepare for as well.
"But the last three weeks I've been trying to get out on the course a little bit more and really focus on some kind of shot, shaping and controlling flight, which I think is pretty crucial for playing good around there."
If he were to slip into the Green Jacket next month, the former World No.2 would join an illustrious list of players who have won The Open Championship at St Andrews and the Masters Tournament.
The six players to have already achieved the feat are Zach Johnson, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
"It'd be unreal. The Open at St Andrews is pretty special. To double it up with a green jacket would just really be unbelievable," said Smith.
"I grew up watching it, didn't miss a shot there from about, I reckon I was five or six years old, all the way through to before I turned pro.
"Yeah, it's just such a cool place and to have the opportunity to do it in my eighth time there, I desperately want to get it and it'd be awesome if I did."
