Smith says he will '100 per cent' return to PGA Tour if LIV Golf fails
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Golfer Cameron Smith stated he would "100 percent" return to the PGA Tour if LIV Golf ceases to exist.
- Smith expressed a strong preference for LIV Golf's continuation, highlighting the enjoyable environment and the positive impact on Australian golf.
- Despite reports of potential cancellations for LIV Golf events due to financial issues, players are reportedly being advised to prepare as if they are proceeding.
Cameron Smith, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, has declared he would "100 percent" return to the PGA Tour should the Saudi-backed league fail to sustain itself. However, the Australian golfer emphasized his strong desire for LIV Golf to succeed, citing the camaraderie and the positive influence it has had on the sport, particularly in his home country.
I mean, if it was the only option, I think that's where everyone would want to be for sure, 100 percent. It would go back to old times.
"I want it to work, really, to be honest. It's great fun out here. The team that we've got, I feel like we make each other better, better people and better golfers as well," Smith told reporters ahead of the LIV Golf New York event. He added, "Yeah, I'd hate to see it go away. We'll see what happens."
I want it to work, really, to be honest. It's great fun out here. The team that we've got, I feel like we make each other better, better people and better golfers as well. Yeah, I'd hate to see it go away. We'll see what happens.
Smith, who joined LIV Golf in 2022 on a reported $140 million contract and captains the all-Australian team Ripper GC, believes the league has significantly benefited golf in Australia. He pointed to the growth of junior golf programs, the success of their Adelaide event, and the overall increase in participation and interest as evidence of LIV's positive impact.
What we've been able to do for golf in Australia is really quite important to me, junior golf, the Little Rippers, the event that we have down there, the people it brings out to showcase our great league.
Despite recent reports suggesting the LIV Golf Team Championship in Michigan might be canceled due to financial difficulties, Smith indicated that players have been instructed to prepare for the event as scheduled. He expressed disappointment at the prospect of the event's cancellation, recalling the success of last year's tournament in Detroit. Smith also mentioned that the LIV team is working diligently behind the scenes to secure future play, with more information expected at an upcoming players' meeting.
Australian golf is important to me. I think [LIV] improves it. I think all the numbers are up. The memberships are up. Social play is up. I think that's in part because of us. So I think it would be a shame for Australian golf if it did go away.
Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.