Cameron Smith Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Cameron Smith withdraws from BMW Championship due to hip discomfort

The stakes in the golf world are quite high right now as the FedEx Cup playoffs continue this week and the chance to win the season's big prize gets closer. Unfortunately, one of the best in the game will not be on the links this week when the playoffs continue this week in Wilmington, Del.

Cameron Smith, ranked No. 3 in the world heading into this week, has officially withdrawn from the BMW Championship. His agent said in a statement that the Aussie has been dealing with "hip discomfort" and has chosen to rest up and be healthy for the Tour Championship later this month.

It's a disappointing turn of events for Smith, who is having a fantastic 2022 campaign with three first-place finishes under his belt. He put on his most impressive performance of the season last month when he roared past Rory McIlroy in the final round of the Open Championship at St. Andrews and raised the Claret Jug.  

While Smith reportedly still plans to compete in the playoff finale on Aug. 22 in Atlanta, his withdrawal from the BMW Championship could hurt his world ranking and put his chance to compete in jeopardy. His status will no doubt garner even more attention given he has been at the center of rumors that more PGA Tour pros are planning to defect to the Saudi Arabia-funded LIV Golf. 

The BMW Championship tees off this Thursday at Wilmington Country Club.

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