AUGUSTA, Ga. – Cameron Smith wasn’t at all shy about how frequently he tracked Scottie Scheffler’s progress during Saturday’s third round at the Masters Tournament.
“After every hole,” Smith said. “Every chance there was.”
Though he kept an eye on Scheffler’s progress, it wasn’t something Smith obsessed over. It seemed to fuel him as he shot a 4-under 68 that put him just three strokes behind the leader ahead of the final round.
“I believe in finding out what you need to do in order to win,” Smith said. “Scottie kept shooting birdies, so that meant I needed to keep making birdies.”
Smith had six birdies in all Saturday, including three on the second nine as Scheffler’s hot hand cooled.
It was the second straight day 30-mile-per-hour wind gusts blew through Augusta National Golf Club. With temperatures that struggled to make it past the mid-50s, it was a frustrating day of golf.
That frustration showed as Smith was preparing to tee off on the fourth hole. Right as he approached the tee, a strong gust came and lingered. Smith backed away from the tee and took a few practice swings as he tried to wait it out. Then a second time Smith walked to his ball, only to back away again when the wind did not relent.
After a third time, Smith gave a wry smile while shaking his head, which drew a laugh from the gallery before unleashing a 249-yard tee shot that positioned him for par.
It was the patient precursor to birdies on two of his next four holes en route to a 34 on the first nine.
His continued with birdies at the 10th, 13th and 15th holes. Meanwhile, Scheffler bogeyed four of his last seven holes.
Although Saturday ended well for Smith, it was seldom easy.
“It was really tough out there today,” he said. “I just had to stay patient with the course and stay patient with myself.”
When asked what the hardest part of the day was, Smith quipped about his cold hands.
“Definitely keeping my hands warm,” he said. “I had hand warmers all day long, but I don’t think they helped very much.”
Smith said winds coming from the west created crosswinds that made driving especially unpredictable. The good news is Sunday’s forecast calls for temperatures in the mid 70s with sunny skies and tranquil winds. That should make for better conditions to produce better golf.
While weather and other golfers’ performances are things Smith can’t control, his own mindset is. And that’s what he’ll be focusing on for Sunday’s final round.
“From here, it’s just all about preparation,” he said. “I try to keep it as simple as I can. I’ll come home, have dinner. I’m honestly not a big watcher of golf. I like to watch other sports to sort of keep my mind off what could happen. The front nine can get away from you quick. There are a couple of birdie opportunities there, but obviously, the back nine is where it will be decided. But ultimately, I can’t control anyone or anything but myself.”
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