cameron Smith Firmly Plants His Feet: Australian Star Will Not rejoin PGA Tour
Despite the PGA Tour extending an invitation for a return, Cameron Smith has definitively stated he will remain wiht LIV Golf. The Australian star confirmed his decision Wednesday morning AEDT during LIV Golf’s media week in Florida, making it clear he won’t be following Brooks Koepka back to the PGA tour.
The golf world was shaken Tuesday AEDT by the announcement of the PGA Tour’s new ‘Returning Members Program,’ a move designed to entice players like Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm – all major winners and/or Players Championship victors since the fracturing of professional golf in 2022 – to rejoin the fold. The trio faced a deadline of March 25th to apply for reinstatement.
“Yeah,I’ve made my decision,” Smith stated. “I’m staying with LIV. It’s a tough one, obviously. I’ve had a lot of conversations with a lot of people, and it’s not an easy decision. I’m sad to see some of the guys go, guys like brooks, who I’ve spent a lot of time with, and he’s a good friend.He’s had a great career, and LIV’s ever had, so on one side I’m sad to see him go. He’s a good friend and yeah, it’s not good, and on the other side I’m really looking forward to what we’re doing out here and we’re going to have the strongest field we’ve ever had.”
Smith, currently ranked 207th in the world, emphasized his contentment with his current situation. “I feel like I’m in a really good place in my career and my life,family life,and I don’t need to change it,” he explained.He likened his commitment to LIV to “making his bed and sleeping in it.”
The future, however, isn’t without its challenges. Smith’s five-year exemption into all four majors, earned after his 2022 Open Championship victory at St Andrews, is dwindling. His hopes for a second Olympic appearance are also contingent on LIV Golf securing world ranking points, a pursuit that continues with the league’s shift to four-round, 72-hole tournaments.
While Smith remains focused on the present, his teammates are also navigating their own decisions.Reports from Spain suggest Jon rahm is also leaning towards staying with LIV, while Bryson DeChambeau has playfully engaged with the situation on social media, soliciting opinions from his followers. DeChambeau acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “I’ve got a contract this year and that’s just going to be an ever-evolving conversation. Hopefully, I’m back next year. I’m excited for the potential of LIV. It just has to make sense for both sides, and we’ll move forward in a cool direction if that’s the case.I certainly don’t want to let [my Crushers GC teammates] down.”
Smith refrained from speculating on his colleagues’ choices, but hinted at a likely outcome. “I can’t speak for the other guys, really, to be honest. I don’t know what they’re going to do,” he said. “I think we have it pretty good out here and I’ve made my decision. I can only assume that there’s will be vrey similar.”
Alongside Smith at the press conference were his Ripper GC teammates, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert. They addressed reports regarding rising star Elvis Smylie perhaps joining the all-Australian team, but declined to comment on specifics. Leishman, however, underscored the positive environment fostered by LIV Golf and Smith’s leadership. “No matter what you hear about LIV Golf, it’s a great place to play. It’s really competitive. We have a lot of fun. I’ve smiled more in the last four years than I have in quite a few years before that. I’ve got the wrinkles to prove it,” Leishman remarked. “I wasn’t surprised at all that he’s staying.”
Looking ahead, Smith’s commitment to LIV Golf ensures the league retains a major drawcard for its upcoming event in Adelaide. While his future beyond LIV’s current schedule remains uncertain, Smith is resolute in his decision, prioritizing his current path and the opportunities it presents.
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