World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler left LIV Golf star Travis Smyth feeling 'demoralised' after a practice round at The Open, but the Australian also praised the American's character and skill. Smyth, playing in his first Open Championship, joined Scheffler for nine holes at Royal Birkdale ahead of the tournament.
Smyth's Reality Check
Travis Smyth admitted that practising with Scottie Scheffler was a humbling experience. 'Watching the precision of his iron play was amazing. It was kind of demoralising a little bit,' Smyth said. 'It was like, damn, when I play good, I don't think I have that in me.'
Despite the blow to his confidence, Smyth saw the experience as a motivator. 'It lights a fire in my stomach and makes me want to work hard. Now that I've seen what No. 1 in the world looks like, a little bit of a taste [in my mouth],' he added. Smyth also described Scheffler as 'a lovely guy, really down to earth,' noting that he is 'not like a d******* or anything.'
How the Practice Round Came Together
Smyth likened securing a tee time alongside Scheffler to purchasing concert tickets online. After checking in, he discovered his playing partners would be Scheffler, Sam Burns, and an amateur. 'I got lucky,' Smyth said. 'I booked in right on Saturday or Sunday, and yeah, Tuesday morning I had a look to see who would book in with me, and it was Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns and the other amateur. So it was cool.'
Smyth has also practised with other top players, including Cam Smith, Herby, and Alex Noren, calling the experience 'amazing' and 'really, really good.'
Scheffler's Strong Start at The Open
Scheffler, the reigning champion after winning at Royal Portrush by four shots over Harris English, opened with a solid two-under-par round at Royal Birkdale. His playing partner Bryson DeChambeau shot three-under, one stroke ahead. Scheffler teed off in the early group Thursday, benefiting from favourable wind and course conditions compared to afternoon players.
The course was already parched and grew increasingly firm as the day progressed. Players voiced frustration about bumpy greens in the afternoon, attributed to the morning groups having already traversed them.
Smyth's First Round
Travis Smyth shot one-over par in his first round at The Open, leaving him with work to do to make the cut. Despite the challenges, the experience of playing alongside the world No. 1 has left a lasting impression and a renewed determination to improve.
