UPDATE [30/08/22]: Between Daniel Ricciardo’s messy divorce from McLaren Racing and Cameron Smith defecting to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, sports’ worst-kept secrets are certainly having their day in the sun. And as of today, both have been confirmed.
Many had initially assumed that the 29-year-old world #2, who is currently in the form of his life, would stick it out with the PGA to further decorate his already impressive career against the most competitive talent available. But to paraphrase the age-old adage: money talks, former PGA Tour pros walk.
“[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won’t ignore that or say that wasn’t a reason,” Cameron Smith explained to Golf Digest.
“It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore.”
“The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing. I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well.”
“I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.”
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the golf circuit currently being fronted by Greg “The Shark” Norman will make a formal announcement concerning the signings of both Cameron Smith and compatriot Marc Leishman later tonight.
RELATED: Cameron Smith Given The Green Light To Defend His British Open Title
Original Article – Cameron Smith Refuses To Deny $140 Million LIV Golf Contract
Multiple reports have indicated Cameron Smith will punctuate his career-best season by defecting to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series for an eye-watering US$100 million (AU$143.7 million).
Smith, who is reportedly set to jump ship alongside compatriot and #56 ranked pro Marc Leishman, was outed by PGA Tour veteran Cameron Percy during the latter’s appearance on RSN Radio.
“Unfortunate[ly], yeah, they’re gone,” said Cameron Percy, revealing contracts had already been inked.
Percy added: “The more and more you look into it, some people don’t care, some people have got a conscience and do care.”
“It really comes down to, you know, ‘They just executed 80 people this week, just chopped their heads off.’ They’re not the nicest people in the world.”
“Do you just look past that and go, ‘Oh well, I’m rich, I don’t really care’? It’s a tough one, it really is.”
Cam Smith was famously pugnacious in his response when prompted about this very possibility last month, immediately after hoisting the Claret Jug and winning his first major on the hallowed grounds of St Andrews. Now, it’s clear this was simply a case of the man doth protesting too much.
RELATED: Cameron Smith Drops The Most Aussie Response Of All Time After Winning British Open
“I just won the British Open and you’re asking about that. I think that’s pretty… not that good,” said Cameron Smith.
“My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”
Despite the fact the nine-figure cat has been well and truly been let out of the bag, Cam Smith has yet to proudly fly the rebel league’s colours. The beloved Aussie talent is still deflecting any/all LIV Golf-related queries – outright refusing to shut down claims regarding the deal currently on the table – while diverting attention towards his professional ambitions.
“My goal is to win the FedEx Cup playoffs. That’s all I’m here for,” Cam Smith stated during a press conference ahead of the FedEx Cup playoffs.
“If there’s something I need to say regarding the PGA Tour or LIV, it will come from Cameron Smith. Not Cameron Percy.”
“I’m a man of my word and whenever you guys need to know anything, it’ll be said by me.”
In addition to Cameron Smith, to date, the LIV Golf Series has successfully poached Phil Mickelson for US$200 million (AU$287.5 million), Dustin Johnson for US$150 million (AU$215.6 million), Bryson DeChambeau for US$125 million (AU$179.7 million), and Brooks Koepka for US$100 million (AU$143.7 million).
As pointed out by Golf Digest’s Dan Rapaport, that’s US$675 million (AU$970 million) to secure just five players versus the PGA Tour’s total revenue in 2022: approximately US$1.5 billion (AU$2.15 billion).
