Cam Smith's frosty moment with World No.1 after 'disgraceful' act
World No.1 Scottie Scheffler has been slammed for a breaking an unwritten golf rule in a frosty moment with Aussie Cameron Smith at the FedEx Cup playoff.
Smith has been the talk of the golfing world after reports broke on Wednesday that the World No.2 had joined the Saudi-backed LIV Tour.
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Despite the repots, Smith didn't take too kindly to the questions asked at his FedEx Cup playoff press conference.
The Australian quickly shut down questions surrounding the reports.
However, Smith was embroiled in more controversy in the first day of the FedEx Cup playoffs in Memphis.
Smith, World No.2, was paired with World No.1 Scheffler.
And the American broke golf etiquette during a round with Smith.
The Australian was seen eyeing-up the green for a putt when Scheffler walked in front of Smith's line.
Smith was clearly baffled and quickly shot Scheffler a frosty stare.
And the Aussie wasn't the only one to have noticed the American's baffling moment.
Social media erupted with many accusing Scheffler of showing Smith disrespect, which could have been because of the Australian's rumoured deal with LIV Golf.
Many also claimed the World No.1 had crossed the line and 'disrespected' Smith.
Wow 😳 No F*cks Given!!! Scottie Scheffler with the full on disrespect to Cam Smith! pic.twitter.com/wrg9hcYLUE
— CourseAmigos GP (@courseamigos) August 11, 2022
If that’s the way it’s going to be.. hope Cam laps the field in the FedEx Cup. Downright rude.. and unsportsmanlike. Says more about Scott Scheffler than it does about Cam Smith #Pathetic https://t.co/hH13CV2w8X
— Zane Bojack (@zanofc) August 11, 2022
Scottie Scheffler walking across Cam Smith’s line was disgraceful.
Clearly deliberate.
Reminds me of the 1999 Ryder Cup when the US team ran onto the green after Justin Leonard’s putt and BEFORE Jose Maria putted#pooretiquette— Andrew Kirby (@AndrewKirbyGolf) August 11, 2022
Piss poor and incredibly rude act by Scott Scheffler towards Cam Smith #pgatour #liv #etiquette https://t.co/rBBZMflS2O
— Frederick Johnson 🔴🟡⚫️ (@Johnsonfred2022) August 11, 2022
Did anyone see Scheffler walk right through Cam Smiths line and Cam just looks at him. The tour hatred towards LIV is real. When is the PGA Tour VS LIV Ryder cup style tourney?
— GetInTheHolePgaDFS ⛳️ (@golfdfsdaily) August 11, 2022
While some claimed it was Scheffler disrespecting Smith, others shut down any bad blood.
Scheffler was seen high-fiving Smith earlier after the Aussie's fantastic putt.
Yeah, totally hates the guy! pic.twitter.com/GBDYhhlzfj
— Matt Vincenzi (@MattVincenziPGA) August 11, 2022
World No.2 Smith opened with a 67, a round that included a hole-out eagle two, with countryman Cam Davis on the same score.
Scheffler has the luxury of a slow start as World No.1 and FedExCup leader, and that's a good thing as the Masters champion shot a lacklustre one-over 71.
Jason Day carries flag for Aussies at FedEc Cup
Jason Day has breathed fresh life into his flagging FedExCup campaign after ending the first round of the PGA Tour's opening play-off event as the leading Australian.
After only scraping into the 125-man field in Memphis following the banning of several LIV Golf defectors, Day carded a bogey-free five-under-par 65 to be in a tie for eighth.
Day's fine round propelled the former world No.1 to 73rd in the live FedExCup standings, with the top 70 after Sunday's final round to advance to next week's no-cut BMW Championship in Delaware.
Languishing at No.147 in the world after going winless for more than three years and failing to qualify for four of the past six major championships, Day is at a career crossroad.
The 34-year has shown glimpses of form in recent times but had to withdraw from last week's Wyndham Championship with illness, stalling his momentum.
But Thursday's promising round at least gives the former PGA Championship winner hope of at least extending his season.
"It does nothing for me to look ahead," he said. "But I do want to play next week."
with AAP
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