Cameron Smith’s pre-Masters comments could spell bad news for Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Aberg
· Yahoo Sports
The Masters is finally here, and as always, attention has turned to who is best prepared for the week at Augusta National.
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Several players arrive in strong form after the Valero Texas Open, with Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Aberg both securing top-10 finishes.
J.J. Spaun claimed victory, while Robert MacIntyre also impressed, but Cameron Smith’s latest comments suggest that momentum may not always be an advantage.
Cameron Smith suggests rest could be key ahead of The Masters
Smith made it clear that he believes freshness can be crucial heading into a major.
“Yeah, I think so,” he said at The Masters on Monday. “It’s always nice to have a week or two off before a really big week. You kind of feel fresh.”
The Australian pointed out that even smaller tournaments can take a toll on players.
“No matter if the week before was a big event or a small event, you’re still putting all your effort into it and trying to play well. It always takes something out of you.”
That could raise questions for players like Fleetwood and Aberg, who were right in the mix in Texas last week.
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty ImagesSpaun, as the winner, and MacIntyre will also have expended significant energy, both mentally and physically.
By contrast, players such as Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth were further down the leaderboard, potentially conserving more energy heading into Augusta.
This leaves an interesting debate between momentum and rest, with Smith firmly in the latter camp.
Cameron Smith highlights why mental sharpness is crucial at Augusta
Smith also emphasised that Augusta demands smart decision-making as much as strong ball-striking.
“I think just be smart, and then you’ve obviously got to play good golf,” he added.
He explained that players must adapt their approach depending on how well they are playing.
“I think it’s a place where if you’re playing really good, you can be super aggressive. If you’re not playing so good, you have to play really smart and kind of get to the positions where you can get it up-and-down.”
That level of course management requires mental clarity, something that could be affected by fatigue from the previous week.
With Augusta known for punishing poor decisions, the importance of arriving fresh cannot be overstated.
As a result, Smith’s comments may prove particularly relevant for those who were battling hard just days before the opening tee shots.
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