Terrible: LIV Golfer Cameron Smith Makes Heartbreaking Call to Split With Childhood Coach
HONGKONG LIV-GOLF Australian professional golfer, Cameron Smith during a game in Fanling Golf Course where LIV Golf Hong Kong is being held in Hong Kong, March 5, 2026. NEXPHER/Vernon Yuen HONG KONG
HONGKONG LIV-GOLF Australian professional golfer, Cameron Smith during a game in Fanling Golf Course where LIV Golf Hong Kong is being held in Hong Kong, March 5, 2026. NEXPHER/Vernon Yuen HONG KONG
Cameron Smith has officially severed ties with his longtime swing coach, Grant Field. The decision, which came after emotional deliberation, was prompted by Smith’s lackluster showing at the Masters, leaving the golfer disappointed.
The Australian star missed his sixth consecutive major cut after shooting rounds of 74 and 77 at Augusta this year. The slump marks a sharp decline for the former world number two.
"It was a terrible, terrible conversation to have," Smith admitted during an interview with Today’s Golfer regarding the split. "I've been seeing Grant since I was like nine years old, and he's a really good friend as well, so it was tough."
PGA, Golf Herren 2022: Memorial Tournament Day 2 MAY 31 May 31, 2020: Cameron Smith AUS right with his coach Grant Field left on the 1st tee during practice rounds on Day 2 at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. Brent Clark/CSM Dublin Ohio USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20220530_zaf_c04_101.jpg BrentxClarkx csmphototwo919849
PGA, Golf Herren 2022: Memorial Tournament Day 2 MAY 31 May 31, 2020: Cameron Smith AUS right with his coach Grant Field left on the 1st tee during practice rounds on Day 2 at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. Brent Clark/CSM Dublin Ohio USA EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20220530_zaf_c04_101.jpg BrentxClarkx csmphototwo919849
Smith felt a drastic change was necessary to end his current struggles in major championships, as he has failed to make the weekend cut since the 2024 U.S. Open. He described his mindset following the Masters as a moment when a difficult choice became unavoidable.
"I was pretty devastated. I feel like I've put in a lot of hard work over the last year and a half, and I've just got absolutely nothing out of my game, so it's just time for a change."
The 32-year-old has now turned to renowned coach Claude Harmon III for guidance. Harmon, the son of Butch Harmon, already works with other LIV stars like Dustin Johnson.
Simplifying the Search for Form
Hiring Harmon is a move to end months of frustration, with just two top-10 finishes in eight outings. According to Smith, his approach had become cluttered with too many swing thoughts.
"He just really simplified it and made me think one thing rather than a thousand," Smith remarked. The overanalyzing of his swing had reached the point where he was unable to hit shots with conviction.
For Smith, the idea that his competitive spirit has been diluted since joining LIV Golf does not ring true. He believes his poor performances simply come down to underperforming.
"It’s starting to feel good and starting to feel like I can actually commit to some shots," said Smith. He hopes to find answers after enduring this frustrating stretch.
The upcoming major tournament at Aronimink will mark an early test of this new partnership. A strong performance this week would validate the major coaching change.
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Written by
Abhishek Sharma
Edited by
Pulkit Prabhav