'That's A Bull**** Excuse' - Cameron Smith Sounds Off Over 'Disappointing' Course Conditions At Australian Open
The LIV player aired his frustration over soft and slow conditions at both Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club and refused to accept recent heavy rain was primarily responsible


Cameron Smith has taken aim at "disappointing" course conditions for this week's Australian Open, strongly rejecting the idea that heavy rain is the primary reason behind soft and slow layouts.
Kingston Heath Golf Club and Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne are well-known as two of the country's best courses and usually play extremely firm and fast, but - according to the Ripper GC captain - they have been set up completely differently this time around.
The 31-year-old has played several practice rounds on the Melbourne Sandbelt since turning out another close call at the Australian PGA Championship last week, even competing alongside former Prime Minister Scot Morrison at the pro-am on Wednesday.
But, in his pre-tournament press conference, Smith admitted his surprise and disappointment at the unusual characteristics on display at the two courses which will be used this week.
He said: “It seems there's been been lot of water and it’s not exactly what I was expecting. The course(s) are in great condition but playing so much different to how they’re designed and how they’re meant to be played, which is pretty disappointing.
Kingston Heath is normally a firm and fast layout
"I had been keeping an eye on the weather here and I was really excited last week – to play a really firm and fast Sandbelt.
“It’s something that my (Ripper GC) teammates and I spoke about this year. We love coming down here and playing these events because the golf courses (are firm and fast) and it’s just not going to play like that. It’s going to play more like an American golf course, kind of target golf.”
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
The Brisbane-born player then shared some of his experiences of competing in south-east Australia at this time of the year, highlighting just how different it can be to a typical American layout.
Smith said: “I’ve played down here at Kingston Heath in (the 2013) Aussie Masters, and I’ve told this story a lot actually, where I was allowing 25-30 metres of run out with a pitching wedge, which is a lot.
"Usually, around the world, you’re trying to take spin off, make sure it doesn’t spin back too much. I think when you get a place like this, where it’s meant to play like that, you have to create spin and create shots to get close to pins, which is what everyone really loves.”
Over the past several days, Melbourne has seen heavy rain a couple of times - on Sunday and on Wednesday - causing the pro-am to initially be delayed 90 minutes before ultimately leading to its cancellation later in the afternoon.
Otherwise, Saturday's temperature reportedly reached 36C in the southern end of New South Wales as the Australian late-Spring leads into early Summer.
Excess water by the side of a green at Kingston Heath GC during Wednesday's pro-am
But when the recent bad weather - which has affected other parts of the country and caused the Australian PGA Championship to lose a round - was put to Smith as a possible reason for the soft and slow conditions on display, the 2023 Open Championship winner was not willing to accept that.
He said: “The weather down here the last couple of weeks has been pretty good, I know they got some rain over the weekend and again this morning, but I’ve played down here in rain before and it’s still been like that the next day.
“So, I think that’s a bulls*** excuse, to be honest. I think it’s been prepared like this for a reason and it’s now how these golf courses are meant to be played.”
Smith will open up his latest attempt to land a first Australian Open title alongside last week's winner, Elvis Smylie and Frenchman Victor Perez during rounds one and two. The group will play Victoria GC first before heading over to Kingston Heath for what they hope will be the next three days.
Deals season is upon us so be sure to check out our early picks for the best Black Friday golf deals as selected by our team of experts.

Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Justin Thomas Confirms Stand-In Caddie Will Not Replace Long-Term Looper After First Victory Since 2022
Thomas won the RBC Heritage with Max Homa's former looper, Joe Greiner as his assistant but is looking forward to welcoming his regular caddie back soon
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Rose Zhang Ruled Out Of Chevron Championship
The American hasn't featured in a competitive event since withdrawing from the T-Mobile Match Play, with it reported that Zhang will miss the Chevron Championship due to an ongoing neck injury
By Matt Cradock
-
Hainan Classic Prize Money Payout 2025
The Asian Swing section of the DP World Tour season concludes with the Hainan Classic in China, where plenty is at stake for the competitors
By Mike Hall
-
Home Favorite Ashun Wu Cards Lowest Final Round To Seal Second China Open Title And Reclaim DP World Tour Card
Ashun Wu added to his 2015 China Open title with another in 2025 thanks to a superb final round 65 - propped up by a stunning back nine at Enhance Anting GC
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Volvo China Open Prize Money Payout 2025
The DP World Tour heads to the Far East for a tournament offering one of the largest purses so far this season
By Mike Hall
-
How Eugenio Chacarra Can Qualify For A PGA Tour Card Following Indian Open Success
Eugenio Chacarra secured his DP World Tour card with victory at the Hero Indian Open, but what does it mean for his chances of making it to the PGA Tour?
By Mike Hall
-
Ex-Prisoner And Australian Bike Gang Member Locks Up DP World Tour Card
Once imprisoned for assault, Ryan Peake went on to win the New Zealand Open earlier this year and has now wrapped up a DP World Tour card for 2026
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Former LIV Golfer Eugenio Chacarra Earns Full DP World Tour Status Via Hero Indian Open Victory
The Spaniard carded a final-round 71 to triumph by two strokes and wrap up his card just months after being dropped by the LIV Golf League
By Jonny Leighfield
-
How Much Eugenio Chacarra Won At The Hero Indian Open
Former LIV golfer, Eugenio Chacarra produced a brilliant display across all four days to win his first DP World Tour title - here is how much the Spaniard won...
By Jonny Leighfield
-
'So Many People Have Supported Me And Believed In Me When I Stopped Doing It Myself' - Richard Mansell Shares Immense Gratitude After Last-Gasp Birdie Helps Englishman Clinch Maiden DP World Tour Title
Mansell birdied his final hole of the week at Laguna National Golf Resort Club to help him land the rain-affected Porsche Singapore Classic by a single stroke
By Jonny Leighfield