CAMERON SMITH DOUBLES DOWN ON CLAIM 18 MONTHS AFTER JOINING LIV GOLF FOR $120M.

Cameron Smith has opened up on why joining LIV Golf for $120m is the best decision he has ever made ahead of breakaway tour’s Las Vegas stop.

Cameron Smith says joining LIV Golf 18 months ago for a reported $120m is still the best decision he ever made.

Smith, 30, became one of the first high-profile players to join the breakaway after having his best year ever on the PGA Tour in 2022.

The Australian won three times, including the coveted Players Championship in thrilling fashion.

Of course, the jewel in the crown came when Smith surged past Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young to claim the landmark 150th Open at St. Andrews.

At the time, Smith was as high as No.2 in the Official World Golf Ranking. He’s now dropped to 35.

Many people found it surprising that he would even consider LIV’s advances, considering the significant amount of money he had already earned and was expected to continue earning.   

1. What is the reason behind his willingness to jeopardize his future in the Presidents Cup?
2. What would motivate him to put at stake his chance of representing Australia in the Olympics?
3. How does this decision affect his participation in major tournaments?    Smith, similar to numerous individuals before and after him, openly acknowledged that the decision was primarily motivated by the immediate financial benefit.   

However, he also emphasized his desire to reduce the amount of time he spends playing golf and increase the time he spends enjoying leisure activities with his friends and family in his hometown.   

He continues to argue that this is a significant factor that motivated his initial decision. 

For the first time since 2013, he’s had a two-and-half-month break from professional golf, he told the DailyMail.

“Oh, mate, just hanging out with friends and family, going down to the pub, having a couple of beers is really all that makes me happy,” he said.

“Playing golf with even some old members at the golf club that I grew up at, seeing the course – all that stuff, it just puts a smile to my face.”

Smith said he had in previous years he would’ve felt guilty not picking up a club.

Going forward, questions still remain about what the world of men’s professional golf will ultimately look like.

The PGA Tour recently agreed a $3bn private equity deal with Strategic Sports Group.

Officials at the North American circuit insist the door for an investment opportunity remains ajar for LIV’s Saudi financiers.

Should that happen, it would likely result in the end of the protracted schism between the circuits.

How did Smith view the PGA Tour-SSG deal?

Smith said: “I haven’t really kept an eye on that side. All of us here, we’re just trying to make this tour the best that we can.”

“I want to help in any way I can”

LIV players are still without OWGR accreditation and the topic has been in the headlines once again given Wyndham Clark received full points for his 54-hole victory at Pebble Beach.

Fellow LIV player Carlos Ortiz has contended the breakaway tour players were told they were definitely going to receive points before the joined.

When asked about the subject, Smith expressed his willingness to offer assistance in any capacity possible.   He acknowledged that there are numerous individuals within LIV who possess more knowledge and expertise to handle such decision-making tasks and compose appropriate emails or letters.    In the future, Smith is uncertain about what lies ahead.   

For him, at the very least.  

“I am extremely delighted because there are a total of 14 events taking place, including four major tournaments.  

Additionally, I have the opportunity to participate in a couple of events in my home country where I can express my gratitude to the fans.   This perfectly aligns with my interests and preferences.”