As the opening round of the Masters rapidly approaches, a major champion has highlighted a significant alteration to the Augusta National setup, with warm temperatures anticipated to impact play. Cam Smith, the 2022 Open champion, made this observation during his practice round on Monday, noting changes in the course's grass and overall conditions.
Smith's Practice Round Insights
Cam Smith, a LIV Golf star with an impressive Masters record—missing the cut only once in nine visits—spent nine holes on the course and immediately noticed a difference. He described the grass as "really full" and "a little bit fuller" compared to previous tournaments, attributing this to the dry forecast following Sunday's thunderstorms.
"I think the course is in great shape, and it's already pretty firm. It seems like the grass is really full. It's always in good condition here, but it seems like there's just a little bit more grass," Smith told reporters. He expects the course to become "firm and fast" as temperatures near 30°C over the weekend, potentially challenging players with fiery conditions.
Off-Course Enhancements at Augusta
Beyond the playing surface, Augusta National has introduced notable off-course improvements this year. The new Player Services Building offers players, caddies, families, and coaches access to dining, training, and recovery facilities, along with a new locker room. Smith praised these additions, calling them "world-class" and "pretty spectacular."
"The locker room is great. The dining room is great. The gym is great. There's no flaws. Everyone is really happy with it," he said. He noted that the previous setup felt disjointed, with facilities spread out, but now everything is consolidated in one place, allowing more time with family and enhancing the overall experience.
Smith's Masters Track Record and Form
Despite a recent downturn in form, Smith's return to Augusta National could spark a resurgence. He has five top-10 finishes at the Masters, including a T2 in 2020, demonstrating his capability to excel on this course. His observations on the grass and conditions suggest he is closely analyzing the environment to optimize his performance.
The combination of fuller grass and firm ground may require strategic adjustments from players, making Smith's insights valuable as the tournament unfolds. With no rain forecasted, officials have the flexibility to maintain the course aggressively, potentially leading to a high-stakes, fast-paced competition.
