Last year, Cameron Smith was among the many top names who defected to LIV Golf. Since then, the Aussie golf pro has undoubtedly created a legacy for himself in the new series. And last week at LIV’s London event, after winning his second $4 million event ahead, he only etched his name deeper in. However, this week, as the 2023 Open Championship fast approaches, it has the LIV star thinking about the time nearly a year ago before he jumped ship!
And as per the golf pro’s recent statement, his choice to leave the PGA Tour wasn’t as clean-cut as it seems; in fact, he claimed he spent many “sleepless nights” mulling the decision over. So what finally tipped the scales for Smith?
Cameron Smith opens up about his past dilemma with LIV Golf
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Cam Smith was arguably in the best form of his career last year, just before he left the Tour. The Australian star had just grabbed his first major win at the Open Championship after a stunning display of skill. However, he still chose to leave the Tour after that and try his hand at the Saudi-backed series despite that.
While his brilliant performances at LIV have left no doubt that he has earned himself quite a name here, a year ago Smith knew none of that. Just recently, Smith opened up to the Telegraph about his mindset before he signed with LIV. The Australian revealed that he was in quite a dilemma back then.
“Yeah, there were a few sleepless nights, worrying what others thought. But you can’t live like that,” he stated. “You have to do things that are right for yourself and your family.” And that’s exactly what Smith did, and thanks to his hard work and dedication, it all worked out for the LIV star.
These words from Smith come to light nearly a year after his move. Surprisingly, while many other defectors have opened up about their own dilemmas in the past, the two-time LIV winner hadn’t.
Last year, soon after his win at the British Open, he even lashed out at the reporters when questioned about the Saudi-backed league. But now that golf is coming together after the recent $3 billion merger, perhaps it’s made him more open about it all.
Is the merger a silver lining for Smith and the rest of the LIV side?
The merger has addressed concerns and uncertainties that players like Smith may have had when considering joining LIV Golf. It opens up new possibilities, including the possibility of players competing in both leagues in the future.
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Previously, there was a clause in the PGA Tour-PIF deal that prevented poaching between the two sides; however, recently, that restriction has been lifted. Although much remains uncertain about the unison, ideally this could mean that Smith and the other LIV stars could continue their legacy with LIV as well as have the flexible option of playing on the PGA Tour and furthering their legacy there too.
A clause in the PGA Tour-PIF deal that prohibited poaching players from either the tour or LIV Golf has been removed after concerns it could break federal employment law https://t.co/vYo3D3TYKQ
— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) July 14, 2023
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Cam Smith’s journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride. And now all eyes are on the Aussie star as he tees it up at Royal Liverpool next week, attempting to defend the Claret Jug. Can he further add to his Open Championship legacy by winning it again? Tune in to find out.
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