After ‘unbearable’ pro-am injury, pro makes inspiring promise

Cameron Smith vows to be back to his best

The Australian's Open title defense in jeopardy

Cameron Smith has vowed to be back to his best after suffering an "unbearable" injury during the pro-am at the Australian Open. The world number three was forced to withdraw from the tournament after just two holes, with reports suggesting he had suffered a serious ankle injury.

Smith was competing in the pro-am alongside fellow Australian golfer Marc Leishman when he slipped on a tee shot and twisted his ankle. He was immediately taken to hospital for scans, which revealed a significant ligament injury.

The injury is a major blow to Smith's hopes of defending his Australian Open title. The 29-year-old was one of the favorites for the tournament, which is being held at Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne.

Despite the setback, Smith remains upbeat and vowed to be back to his best as soon as possible. "It's an unfortunate injury, but I'm going to do everything I can to get back on the course as soon as possible," Smith said in a statement.

"I'm going to work hard with my team to get my ankle right and I'm confident I can come back stronger than ever," he said.

Smith's injury is a reminder of the risks that golfers face when they play on hard surfaces. The Australian Open is one of the few tournaments on the PGA Tour that is played on a course with concrete fairways.

The injury also highlights the importance of being properly prepared for a tournament. Smith had been practicing on the concrete fairways at Victoria Golf Club for several days leading up to the Australian Open.

Despite the setback, Smith remains one of the most promising golfers in the world. He has won three PGA Tour events in the past year, including the prestigious Players Championship.

Smith is expected to be out of action for several weeks, but he is hopeful of being back in time for the Masters Tournament in April.