CAMERON SMITH IS SUFFERING FROM MEDICAL CONDITION THAT IS UNSURPRISING

Those with keen eyes saw that Cameron Smith was donning safety goggles for the opening round of LIV Golf’s 2024 campaign in Mayakoba.

Observant viewers of LIV Golf’s weekend coverage noted that Cameron Smith seemed a little strange.

Smith wore sunglasses and played the entire LIV Golf Mayakoba.

That’s not surprising, given how hot and sunny Greg Norman’s El Camaleón was.

However, it became problematic when Smith continued to wear his sunglasses during close-ups.

No, Smith wasn’t making a fashion statement with the glasses; according to Golf Injury Report, he was diagnosed with Pterygium, or Surfer’s Eye.

A mass of blood vessels grows in the conjunctiva as a result of the condition, which is easily treatable but sounds uncomfortable for those who have it.

Red, irritated, swollen, and dry eyes are some of the symptoms. Additionally, you may always feel as though you have grit or sand in them.

Extended exposure to UV rays causes the disease.

Professional golfers like Smith are undoubtedly impacted by that, but the Australian is also well-known for his love of fishing and being outside.  

He prefers to be on the water with his friends or with his wife Shanel Naoum when he’s not playing golf.

Smith, along with recent addition Tyrrell Hatton and former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, finished T-8 in the inaugural LIV Golf event of 2024.

Ripper, his team, came in fourth. Currently, Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, and Lucas Herbert make up Smith’s side.

For the second event of the third campaign of the breakaway tour, Smith and LIV are currently en route to Las Vegas.

Smith’s potential Olympic heartbreak

Smith is hoping that he can still secure a spot in the Olympic Games in Paris the following year.

However, given that the tour is still not recognized by the Official World Golf Ranking, his loyalty to LIV Golf might come at a price.

The top two players in each country’s OWGR are awarded Olympic qualifying.

Forecasts indicate he might miss out on this opportunity.

Smith recently shared his thoughts on this topic, saying: “I want to be there, for sure. I am aware of the requirements.”

“Hopefully, I can maintain that ranking and wear the coat of arms on my chest once more,” he continued. It’s quite unique.