Open champion Cameron Smith was ‘deep’ in the pub before realizing belatedly that he had made the cut for the third round of the Australian Open.
The world number three left the course in Melbourne after hitting a ‘waste’ 73 in the second round to sit two over par, which was above the projected cut line.
But subsequent starters struggled in blustery conditions in Victoria, so the cup moved one shot to take those in two.
“I didn’t really expect it, to be honest,” said the Australian.
“I was pretty quick at the pub, and yeah it was probably a little too many deep beers, then I realized we had an early tee time, so I got back on the waters and was a good boy the rest of the night.”
Smith – who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series earlier this year – shot an under-69 in his third round.
But he ultimately missed the cut because the tournament has a second cut after the third round and his total of 213 was two shots too many.
The inaugural mixed tournament sees only the top 30 players from the men’s and women’s outfield play the final round in Victoria.
Australia’s Adam Scott leads the men’s standings with an 11-under total of 201, while Jiyai Shin of South Korea leads the women with a 14-under total.
