UPDATE [30/08/22]: Between Daniel Ricciardoโs messy divorce from McLaren Racing and Cameron Smith defecting to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, sportsโ 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.
โ[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I wonโt ignore that or say that wasnโt a reason,โ Cameron Smith explained to Golf Digest.
โIt was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldnโt ignore.โ
โThe biggest thing for me joining is [LIVโs] schedule is really appealing. Iโll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well.โ
โI havenโt been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.โ
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the golf circuit currently being fronted by Greg โThe Sharkโ 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 โ 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 latterโs appearance on RSN Radio.
โUnfortunate[ly], yeah, theyโre gone,โ said Cameron Percy, revealing contracts had already been inked.
Percy added: โThe more and more you look into it, some people donโt care, some people have got a conscience and do care.โ
โIt really comes down to, you know, โThey just executed 80 people this week, just chopped their heads off.โ Theyโre not the nicest people in the world.โ
โDo you just look past that and go, โOh well, Iโm rich, I donโt really careโ? Itโs a tough one, it really is.โ
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, itโs 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
โI just won the British Open and youโre asking about that. I think thatโs prettyโฆ not that good,โ said Cameron Smith.
โMy team around me worries about all that stuff. Iโm here to win golf tournaments.โ
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 leagueโs colours. The beloved Aussie talent is still deflecting any/all LIV Golf-related queries โ outright refusing to shut down claims regarding the deal currently on the table โ while diverting attention towards his professional ambitions.
โMy goal is to win the FedEx Cup playoffs. Thatโs all Iโm here for,โ Cam Smith stated during a press conference ahead of the FedEx Cup playoffs.
โIf thereโs something I need to say regarding the PGA Tour or LIV, it will come from Cameron Smith. Not Cameron Percy.โ
โIโm a man of my word and whenever you guys need to know anything, itโll be said by me.โ
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 Digestโs Dan Rapaport, thatโs US$675 million (AU$970 million) to secure just five players versus the PGA Tourโs total revenue in 2022: approximately US$1.5 billion (AU$2.15 billion).
