Money was obviously, the biggest reason why Cameron Smith and many other LIV Golf pros jumped the ship of the PGA Tour. But attaining this as the sole reason would be wrong, as the Australian has stated time and again the reason behind his move. It has more to do with where he plays in the season, and the place he wants to play more is undoubtedly his home in Australia. The current PGA Tour season doesn’t have a single tournament scheduled in the Land Down Under, but LIV Golf has one in Adelaide.

In November 2023, Smith stated this as one of the reasons why he jumped the ship. When a Sky Sports host asked him the reason behind his move, Smith said, “To spend more time in Australia, with friends and family.” And the Greg Norman-led league fulfilled his dream of going back home more and traveling the world. Now, the 1-time major winner is preparing to play at another Australian event, which is the ISPS HANDA Australian Open. This will mark Smith’s 12th appearance in the event, starting on November 28th at Kingston Heath & Victoria golf clubs, making it his fifth event in Australia this season. How, you ask?

Including LIV Golf Adelaide, Smith will play for four weeks at the Queensland PGA, NSW Open, and BMW Australian PGA Championship on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia before teeing up at the Australian Open. Before LIV Golf, Smith would’ve to get special permission from the PGA Tour to play in his home country, but as the breakaway circuit’s season has ended, it is easier for the 31-year-old to tee up as he wishes. Talking about winning the event, Smith said, “I think most people would know how much I want to win an Australian Open, so I am looking forward to challenging for the Stonehaven Cup again this year in Melbourne,” the PGA Tour of Australasia quoted. Flushing It Golf had posted this on X.

Although Smith has never won the Australian Open, he is eager to bag the cup at least this year. And after playing four back-to-back events in his home country, it would surely be advantageous for the 31-year-old to play better on the Australian greens and emerge victorious. With Smith returning to his home, are there any other notable LIV Golf pros in the field of the ISPS HANDA Australian Open?

Who may join Cameron Smith in Australia?

LIV Golf has many Australian golfers teeing up at its 14 events, Cameron Smith’s team, Ripper GC has all players from the Oz land. However, unfortunately, none has been confirmed yet to play in the ISPS HANDA Australian Open. But that doesn’t mean Smith would be the lone representative from the breakaway circuit.

Last year, the winner of the Australian Open was a LIV golfer, the Chilean star, Joaquin Niemann. As the defending champion from the men’s side, Niemann has confirmed his return at the iconic Kingston Heath & Victoria golf clubs to defend his Stonehaven Cup. It would be an intense competition between Smith and Niemann to see who would come out successful in their run.

As there are still more than 30 days for the ISPS HANDA Australian Open to start, more LIV Golf pros may join the roster and make the tournament more competitive than it already is!