As we all just found out, rumors were flying about Greg Norman’s future as LIV Golf’s CEO. But Norman’s shut up the trolls by reaffirming his dedication to the organization. “My contract is through August of 2025,” Norman said, setting the record straight. Norman’s all-in on making 2025 a huge year for LIV Golf. “My commitment to LIV has been unquestioned and my commitment to the future is also unquestioned,” he emphasized.

With challenges ahead, Norman’s staying focused on finalizing the schedule and knocking out key objectives. But just as things seemed to be settling down, Australian golf sensation Cameron Smith dropped a bombshell. He slammed LIV Golf’s scheduling, citing it as a major factor in his disappointing Open Championship performance.

Smith’s frustration stems from playing LIV Valderrama just before the Open, where he missed the cut at Troon. The drastic climate and course changes – from hot, high-altitude Valderrama to cold, windy links – left Smith underprepared. He described it as “two polar opposites of golf”, per the latest tweet by NUCLR GOLF.  “It was really hot, the ball was going a long way up in altitude, and then getting on to links where it’s quite cold and windy, it’s probably not the best prep. It’s definitely something that we spoke about. They (LIV) are well aware of that”, read the tweet.

Smith and fellow LIV golfers are calling for a schedule overhaul to prepare them better for future majors. Smith’s $100M LIV Golf contract may have secured his financial future, but it’s also put him in a tough spot. Cameron Smith is not the only one to point this out as the Spaniard had also talked about the same matter earlier this year.

Cameron Smith and Jon Rahm lead the charge for the Links event

Cameron Smith and Jon Rahm are driving forces behind LIV Golf’s scheduling revamp, pushing for a links event to better prepare players for the Open Championship. In July, Rahm expressed his desire for a links event, citing the challenges of adjusting to the oldest style of golf. “I would hope so; I’m pushing for it… getting used to the greens and the ball reacting on the ground,” he said. Smith, confident in LIV Golf’s willingness to adapt, revealed the 2025 schedule will feature more tournaments before the Masters. “The schedule we got next year… they’ve done a really good job of acknowledging that and making some changes.”

History supports the importance of ‘links golf’ preparation. Every Open champion since Shane Lowry in 2019 played in the Scottish Open or had a free week before the tournament. Smith will compete in several upcoming events, including the Queensland PGA Championship, New South Wales Open, Australian PGA Championship, and Australian Open. With Smith and Rahm leading the charge, will LIV Golf incorporate a links event into its 2025 schedule? Only time will tell.