Cameron Smith could suffer Olympic games blow due to LIV Golf as Open champ faces dilemma

Cameron Smith aims to represent Australia again at the Olympics, but LIV Golf’s world rankings A lack of points could hurt his chances.

Cameron Smith hopes to secure a spot at next year’s Paris Olympics despite LIV golf events continuing to be held without world ranking points being awarded.

Olympic qualification is awarded to the top two players from each country in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), with Smith first securing a spot on Team Australia next summer. However, according to predictions, he will soon lose this position due to his loyalty to LIV.

Smith became one of the Saudi-backed league’s biggest signings last year, signing with former world number two Greg Norman just weeks after winning the Open Championship at St Andrews.

However, the Australian’s Saudi switch has come with some consequences which includes a fall in the rankings. LIV are yet to acquire recognition from the OWGR, with their latest application to the ranking system rejected in October.

Smith therefore will be venturing elsewhere alongside his LIV schedule in a bid to gain ranking points, starting this week. The Aussie has headed back down under to defend his title at the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship, an event co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia.

After that he will then head to the upcoming Australian Open, in another chance to strengthen his Olympic bid. “I definitely want to be there [the Olympics, mate, 100 percent,” the 30-year-old said in Brisbane this week. “I know the criteria.

“I don’t know if that can change, but I’ve got these couple of events here [the Australian PGA and the Australian Open, which are co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and therefore receive world ranking points] and probably more looks again in the [2024] majors, so hopefully I can keep that ranking up and wear the [Australian] coat of arms on the chest again, it’s pretty special.”

Outside of the four majors, Smith has played in just two OWGR-sanctioned events in 2023 coming at Asian Tour’s Saudi International and more recently, the Honk Kong Open where he finished second. Amid its recent feud with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, LIV has found an alliance with the Asian-based circuit.

The Asian Tour’s International Series gives those competing the chance to earn a LIV spot for the following season, with Andy Ogletree taking advantage of the pathway this time around after winning the Order of Merit this month. Tour events offer LIV players the opportunity to earn ranking points, and this is another avenue Smith could consider to secure a spot on the Olympic team.

“Yeah, I think so,” Smith said of adding an Asian Tour event to his schedule. “But I think it’s kind of a wait-and-see thing. Like you said, we’re hoping that some events here can make that happen. “I think for myself We have a lot going on and these major tournaments can definitely improve that a lot.”