"Greens are brutal": Cam Smith's Honest Take on Why Valderrama Punishes Even the Best Players

Jun 7, 2026, 3:22 PM CUT

Australian Open Golf 2025 Final Results in Melbourne - 07 Dec 2025 Cameron Smith of Australia seen in action during round four of the Australian Open Golf tournament. The 2025 Australian Open concluded with Denmarks Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen securing the championship at 15-under after a tense final round at The Australian Golf Club. The tournament delivers a dramatic finish, with top international contenders pushing the leaderboard to the final holes. Large crowds gathered across the course as fans watch one of Australias premier golf events come to a close for the year. Melbourne Australia Copyright: xYexMyoxKhantx/xSOPAxImagesx YeMyoKhant_4

Australia’s Cam Smith remains in the hunt for his first win in over two-and-a-half years at LIV Andalucia. Speaking on the Valderrama, the former Open Championship winner revealed why the course is a tricky test.

Designed by the legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, the Real Club Valderrama is one of the most popular courses in the world. Among all the courses at LIV events, Smith ranked the Southern Spain course at the top in terms of difficulty.

“Then the greens are brutal, as well. The greens this year, I think, haven't been as fast as what they've been in previous years. I think they're a little bit probably worried with the wind the first couple of days, so the greens haven't been as difficult,” said Smith in a press conference.

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Despite the challenging conditions, Smith recorded a two-under 69 score in the third round that left him at five under for the tournament.

However, shooting a four-under-par 67 on Saturday, Legion XIII’s Tyrrell Hatton held on to his two-shot lead.

“I mean, it's very difficult. It's just tricky. It's not long. You just need to hit the fairway," said Smith. "You need to be in the right spot on the fairway."

The Valderrama has tight, twisting fairways everywhere. Filled with squat olive trees, the course has incredibly small putting surfaces. On top of that, the putting surfaces are encircled by flashy bunkers.

In the second round, Smith shot four consecutive birdies, and it seemed he had the course figured out. However, he hit three bogeys in the same round and posted his highest round yet, of 70.

“But it's one of the toughest tests that we play all year-round, if not the toughest,” Smith added.

Smith has to catch up with Hatton, who has been consistent throughout.

Tyrrell Hatton’s Consistency At The Valderrama

Hatton made his first start as a father at LIV Andalucia. The English golfer stood at the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round.

"There were some good shots today," he said, per FOX Sports. "I feel like there were some poor ones in there, as well, which is disappointing. But I holed some nice putts inside 10 feet, especially for par on the back nine."

The Legion XIII player took a two-shot lead into the final round after shooting a 4-under 67 to move to 10 under. Rounds of 67, 69, and 67 were enough to secure him the top spot for now.

"Overall, I'm happy enough with today. A lot can happen around here. The first three days have been great. I would love to keep playing well. I'll certainly try my best tomorrow, and yeah, hopefully I can finish well," he added.

Hatton will look to add on to his 2024 LIV Golf Nashville win and secure his second title in the league at Valderrama this Sunday.

What are your thoughts on Valderrama? Share them in the comments.

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Sijo Paul