Is Smith improving chances of winning The Open Championship?

Cameron Smith celebrates with the winner's trophy of the LIV Golf London golf tournament at Centurion Club. Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

Is Cam Smith improving his chances of winning The Open Championship?

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/10/23

Since the LIV Golf circuit doesn't get the same coverage that the PGA Tour does, you might not have known that Cam Smith won his second event since joining the breakaway league.

But even if you didn't catch the Australian's victory at LIV Golf London, you probably watched him make his way up the leaderboard at the U.S. Open last month.

Smith continues to be a superior putter who can be a threat on the links, and he is eyeing glory yet again as time ticks down to The Open Championship — where he pulled off an upset victory last year.

Do oddsmakers think Smith has a better shot at winning a second straight Open after his LIV Golf victory last weekend?

Congrats mate @CameronSmithPGA on your second #LIVGolf victory and to @4AcesGC_ on claiming the team win in London pic.twitter.com/ij0z7lSZhw
— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) July 10, 2023

At the moment, DraftKings seems relatively unphased by Smith's win at LIV Golf London and still has him listed as a 16-1 long shot to top the leaderboard at Royal Liverpool. And since last week's event in London was the last LIV Golf tune-up before the major event, it's unlikely Smith's odds will change dramatically between now and when he tees off at The Open.

Smith pulled off a come-from-behind victory at St. Andrews last year to beat Rory McIlroy by one stroke in the final round. McIlroy, who is on a bit of a season upswing himself, is currently the 15-2 favorite to top the leaderboard at Royal Liverpool.

Other golfers favored over Smith to win in Wirral on Sunday? World No. 1 and No. 2 golfers Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm are each listed at 9-1, while PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka is listed at 14-1.

The Open Championship tees off on July 20.

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