Cameron Smith has revealed the main reason behind his controversial move to LIV Golf, admitting the mega-money on offer was a factor. Smith's move to the Saudi-backed series was announced on Tuesday after weeks of speculation following his Open Championship win at St Andrews in July.
The signing of the Australian is arguably LIV Golf's biggest coup yet, with Smith ranked No. 2 in the world rankings and the reigning Champion Golfer of The Year. After following in the footsteps of the likes of Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, the Aussie is also said to have received a hefty signing on fee, with the figure said to be $100 million (£85 million) according to journalist Daniel Rapaport.
In the hours after his announcement, Smith has lifted the lid on the reasoning behind his move with the mega-money on offer of course playing a role.
He told Golf Digest : "[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won’t ignore that or say that wasn’t a reason. It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore.” As well as the eye-watering contract and prize money though, Smith revealed the more relaxed schedule offered by the series made the offer an even more appealing one.
The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing,” Smith commented. “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.”
The Australian star has been living in the United States since 2015, and has been an ever-present figure on the PGA Tour. Now though it seems the world No. 2 is happy to trade his well built-up reputation on golf's leading tour in order to make it easier for himself to head back to his native country.
Smith went on: "I’ve lived over here seven years now, and I love living in the U.S., but just little things like missing friends’ weddings, birthday parties and seeing your mates having a great time at rugby league games has been tough." With LIV also expected to plot one of their 2023 events in Australia, this is also a factor the Open champion is looking forward to.
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“I’m sure with Leish [Marc Leishman] and I playing it’ll be appealing for LIV [to take an event there],” the world No. 2 added. One other aspect the Saudi-backed series offers in opposition to the PGA Tour is the team element, with all players allotted into a four-man setup throughout the season.
This was yet another factor that the 29-year-old found appealing. Smith said: "For me personally, I love teams golf, and it’s something I wish I could have more often,” Smith said.
“I love the four-person teams aspect [of LIV]. Even when you’re out of the tournament, there’s something else to play for.”
