Cameron Smith holds no regrets over his decision to join LIV Golf and called his 2022 split “the best decision” he’s ever made. The Australian absconded from the PGA Tour soon after winning The Open in 2022 and hasn’t looked back since.
PGA dissidents have copped criticism for their decision to leave golf’s establishment for LIV’s riches over the last couple of years. Saudi Arabia has also become heavily involved in hosting major boxing and UFC events, while the country’s Public Investment Fund also took over Premier League club Newcastle United in 2021.
But after earning at least £109million from his two-and-a-half years in the LIV Golf League to date, Smith isn’t inclined to look back anytime soon. And he stressed just how content he is given the new freedom he shares compared to his time playing on the PGA circuit.
“It was the best decision of my life,” he told the Herald Sun of his decision to rebel and join the Saudi-backed breakaway tour. “Not only from where the tour is going and where it will end up but also from a life standpoint as well.
“The extra time I get to spend in Australia compared to what I used to means a lot. I feel like I am a much happier person now compared to where I was before.”
Smith was one of those understood to have accepted a reported deal of at least £77m ($100m) to join LIV, though the actual figure could be considerably greater. He’s also earned around £32m ($41m) in competition earnings under the LIV banner, which includes his share of the £39m ($50m) prize pot after Rippers GC won the end-of-season Team Championship.
The 31-year-old didn’t take long to start tabulating some significant fees after joining LIV towards the end of its 2022 campaign. He then finished second on the 2023 money list before dropping down to sixth the following year.
LIV was hugely successful in its drive to lure the PGA Tour’s biggest talents, with massive nine-figure signing bonuses becoming the norm. Jon Rahm became the rival series’ biggest signing to date at the start of 2024 when he accepted an offer in the region of £232m ($300m).
The PGA has responded by mimicking certain aspects of the LIV format, including increased prize purses at certain signature tournaments and more team events. LIV’s calendar was increased to include more dates in 2023 but still comprised just 14 events as of this year, which pales in comparison to the number of competitions played by the average PGA player.
One added complication is the fact LIV players are no longer locked in to play in majors given they can’t accumulate ranking points on the breakaway series as they once did. But for one-time Open champion Smith, it appears that’s a small price to pay for the bucks he’s banked in return.
