Cam Smith drops to No.3 in the world

By: Glenn Moore Time published 2022-09-13 at 02:24 AM (GMT +10:00)

Cameron Smith has dropped to No.3 in the world rankings, overtaken by Rory McIlroy. Due to his switch to LIV Golf he may not be able to climb back up.

CAMERON SMITH celebrates winning Australian PGA Championship at Royal Pines Resort in Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Australia's Cameron Smith has dropped a place to No.3 in the official world golf rankings.

Rory McIlroy has overtaken the British Open winner following the Northern Irishman's success at the Tour Championship. American Scottie Scheffler remains No.1.

In the only other change in the top 10 another US player Will Zalatoris overtook compatriot Collin Morikawa to move up to eighth.

Smith may prove to have peaked at No.2 as he now plays on the Saudi-backed rebel LIV Golf circuit. LIV events do not score rankings points and LIV golfers are banned from the PGA Tour. That suspension is subject to ongoing legal action, as is the bar on LIV events receiving rankings points..

Smith does have an exemption from the majors due to his stunning win at St Andrew's, but while they score heavily there are only four such tournaments.

In the 36-year history of the rankings only three Australians have reached No.1, Greg Norman, Jason Day and Adam Scott.

World Rankings top ten

1. (1) Scottie Scheffler (USA) 516.82

2. (3) Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) 417.22

3. (2) Cameron Smith (Australia) 374.57

4. (4) Patrick Cantlay (USA) 349.60

5. (5) Xander Schauffele (USA) 330.16

6. (6) Jon Rahm (Spain) 321.28

7. (7) Justin Thomas (USA) 316.31

8. (9) Will Zalatoris (USA) 319.75

9. (8) Collin Morikawa (USA) 303.75

10. (10) Viktor Hovland (Norway) 312.25