Remember Travis Smyth? The guy who had three LIV Golf starts in 2022? If so, you'll barely recognize this Australian (now 31 years old)! Smyth is making his comeback in the LIV Golf League this week in Mexico City and is red-hot. He tees off on Thursday as a Wild Card player, a spot that opened up because Scott Vincent took Phil Mickelson's place at HyFlyers GC. His last LIV appearance? A 22nd place finish in Bedminster in July 2022. Things weren't quite clicking back then.
What has happened in the last four years? Smyth himself speaks of a "completely different" game. Previously, he would pull off "some wild stuff" with his swing, his body was "pretty average," and he also dealt with back problems. In short: "I was pretty much at the end of my rope back then." Today, it's a completely different story. He's a much better golfer and "super pumped" to compete with the guys again, because his form is incredibly strong right now.
Form Explosion: Smyth on Cloud Nine
"Incredibly strong" is almost an understatement. Travis Smyth claimed the Japan-Australasia Championship last month and then immediately won the International Series Japan earlier this month – two victories in his last three starts! Now that's a statement. He currently leads the International Series season standings and the Asian Tour Order of Merit, having already secured the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. In the World Ranking, he's at a career-high 135th place and has even secured spots in the PGA Championship and the Open Championship this summer.
Smyth emphasizes that he has elevated himself to a new mental level. This allows him to consistently score and make the crucial shots to stay in contention and triumph. Next week, Smyth travels to the International Series’ Singapore Open presented by The Business Times to maintain his top position in the rankings. His goal for 2027: A permanent spot in the LIV Golf League. This is one of the reasons why he aligns his tournament schedule with these International Series events, as the International Series champion at the end of the season earns a place in the 2027 LIV Golf League.
Chaos Before Tee-Off in Mexico City
The journey to Mexico City was anything but relaxed. As a Wild Card player, he only received the notification on Sunday morning in Australia. Then it was: apply for a visa, sort out passport issues, and manage a move in Australia on the side. He arrived on Tuesday to check out the high-altitude course. "Everything was a bit of a rush-rush," Smyth said. But after a good night's sleep, he now feels good. "Really excited to be back," were his words. And we're eager to see what this new Travis Smyth will show us on the green!
