Cameron Smith holds a Masters record. Now he wants a green jacket

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Cameron Smith celebrates with his caddie Matthew Tritton during the final round of the 2020 Masters Tournament. Smith became the first golfer to shoot four rounds in the 60s. [Michael Holahan/The Augusta Chronicle]

Cameron Smith embarrassed par at the November Masters, his 15-under par total a number worthy of winning all but five of the previous 84 editions. But the 27-year-old wasn’t satisfied with his runner-up finish to Dustin Johnson.

“I wouldn’t say I brought my best stuff,” Smith said. “Especially the longer stuff, I felt as though I struggled with the driver a lot.”

As the long-haired Australian prepares for his fifth Masters, his resume at Augusta National boasts two top-fives in four visits. He has one top-five in 13 showings at other major championships.

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“I mean, it's what we dream about, really,” Smith said when asked what it would mean to win at Augusta National. “This is why we want to play.”

In November, Smith carded rounds of 67-68-69-69 to become the first Masters participant to shoot four rounds in the 60s. Smith’s best showing at a PGA Tour event since then was fourth at February’s Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. He placed 17th at the Players Championship.

If Smith were to prevail this week he would join Adam Scott as Australian victors. But he’s also aware of the notable Australian collapses at Augusta National –most famously Greg Norman in 1996.

Smith was 2 years old when Norman saw his six-stroke lead evaporate that Sunday.

“My old man still talks about it now,” Smith said of his father, Des. “He missed a day of work because of Greggy.”