Cam Smith Pipped For First 2024 Win In Saudi Playoff

In a thrilling conclusion to the opening event of the 2024 LIV Golf season, Cameron Smith was edged out by Dustin Johnson in a dramatic playoff at the Saudi International. The Australian had held a narrow lead for much of the final round but was unable to close out the victory.

A Closely Contested Battle

Smith began the day one stroke behind Johnson but quickly moved into the lead with a birdie on the first hole. He extended his advantage to two shots with a birdie on the fifth but Johnson responded with birdies on the sixth and seventh to draw level. The pair exchanged birdies over the next few holes, with Smith holding a slender one-stroke lead heading into the back nine.

Johnson bogeyed the 10th hole to give Smith a two-shot cushion, but the American hit back with birdies on the 12th and 13th to square the match once again. Smith regained the lead with a birdie on the 15th, but Johnson refused to give up, holing a clutch birdie putt on the 17th to force a playoff.

A Dramatic Playoff

The playoff began on the 18th hole, with both players hitting their drives into the fairway. Smith’s approach shot landed on the green, while Johnson’s came up just short. Smith had a birdie putt to win the tournament, but he narrowly missed, leaving Johnson with a chance to clinch the victory.

Johnson calmly rolled in his birdie putt to secure his first win of the 2024 season. Smith was left to rue what might have been, but he can take solace in the fact that he played well throughout the tournament and was only denied victory by a superb performance from his opponent.

Different Perspectives

The result of the Saudi International has been met with mixed reactions. Some have praised Johnson for his fighting spirit and ability to produce his best golf when it mattered most. Others have expressed sympathy for Smith, who was so close to securing his first win of the year.

There are also those who have questioned the decision to hold the tournament in Saudi Arabia, given the country’s poor human rights record. However, the LIV Golf organisers have defended their decision, arguing that sport can be a force for good in the world and that they are committed to improving human rights in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion

The 2024 Saudi International was a thrilling tournament that showcased the best that golf has to offer. Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson produced some stunning golf over the four days, and the playoff finish was a fitting end to a memorable event. While Smith will be disappointed to have missed out on victory, he can take heart from the fact that he played well and that he will have many more opportunities to win in the future.

The tournament also raised important questions about the role of sport in society. The decision to hold the event in Saudi Arabia has been controversial, but the LIV Golf organisers have argued that sport can be a force for good in the world. It remains to be seen whether this is the case, but the Saudi International has certainly shown that golf can be a powerful force for entertainment and excitement.