Cameron Smith returns claret jug ahead of the British Open and reflects on his long year

By DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer

HOYLAKE, England (AP) — Cameron Smith never gets emotional about anything. That changed Monday when he had to return the claret jug as the defending British Open champion. Now it’s about winning it back, and Smith knows that won’t be easy. He says it’s still hard to believe it’s been a year since he won at St. Andrews. So much has changed, starting with his defection to LIV Golf. Golf is more chaotic than ever with the PGA Tour striking a deal lacking many details with Saudi Arabia’s golf interests. Smith feels confident about LIV Golf’s future. For now, he wants that jug back.