Cameron Smith believes LIV Golf has kept the PGA Tour 'on their toes' after praising the impact the Saudi-backed series has had since its inception last summer.
Smith became one of the marquee names to join LIV Golf in 2022, making the controversial Saudi switch just weeks after being crowned Open champion at St Andrews. Like his fellow defectors, the former world No. 2 was banned from the PGA Tour in the wake of the move.
This las left the world of professional golf in a state of civil war, with LIV and the American-based circuit battling it out to be the sport's leading tour.
Amid the new-found threat from their rivals, the PGA Tour has introduced a whole host of changes, including increased prize funds and financial incentives for players in a bid to match the mega-money funding at LIV. And Smith believes it is exactly what professional golf needed.
Discussing the topic on The Howie Games podcast , the Open champion said: "It is good to have competition and I think LIV Golf has definitely kept the PGA Tour on their toes and their competition is thriving from it as well so I can’t really see a bad thing that it’s done yet to professional golf."
There is no doubt the introduction of the breakaway circuit has left the sport fractured, with players on both sides often taking aim at each other. Most notably Rory McIlroy has found himself at the centre of the feud, having had spats with both Phil Mickelson and former Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia.
Smith though has revealed that despite all the drama he has been able to keep his friendships intact. The Aussie added: "All the guys I was mates with are still my mates. No-one has told me to piss off or not talk to them ever again.”
