Cameron Smith's departure two years ago to LIV Golf surprised many. The Australian was one of the main names on the PGA Tour, and a golfer from whom there were huge expectations. Many believed that the Australian playing on the PGA Tour would break many records, remain inscribed in the history of sports, and achieve great success.
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However, Smith received an offer from LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed Tour, which attracted many golfers at that time. Smith couldn't resist the huge figure. In an interview with Straight Talk, Smith revealed that at the time he received LIV's offer, many agents approached him.
"There was a lot of movement on the Tour at the time, and agents would come up to you,"- he said, as quoted by EXPRESS.
Smith went on to reveal that he got a call from Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf, having a great conversation with him. Smith also consulted with some of his colleagues, wanting to know what LIV Golf could offer him. The Saudi-backed Tour had trouble luring some of the players, regardless of the money, but after some accepted the offer, it was much easier for others to become part of LIV Golf. They knew that going there would bring great criticism.
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"And then I remember it was after The Open, Greg rang me up and we had a really good chat. I spoke to a few really good friends that I knew I could lean on in the space."- Smith continued.
The Australian highlighted that it was difficult to accept the offer, but after a long decision-making process, they realized that they had to take advantage of the opportunity that presented themselves. Cameron Smith made an unpopular decision at the time, but he knew that someday he'd have to bear the consequences of his decisions.
The 31-year-old revealed that he was talking to a lot of people. On the one hand, he knew that he could profit financially, but on the other hand, he knew that such a decision could bring negative consequences for his reputation. In addition, Smith knew that such a decision would have consequences in that he'd not be able to perform at the Majors. Despite everything, the Australian thought it was the best move for him.
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Smith admits that in the beginning, he didn't even know what LIV Golf actually is and what it carries with it. However, the money he received, but also the fact that he can play fewer events and spend more time in Australia, made this young golfer agree to the offer.
"I mean like am I going to be able to play golf professionally? It was so fresh at the start, we didn't know whether it was going to be a year or like it is know, it has been just a dream. That was the biggest question. The second was playing less golf and spending more time in Australia was really important."- he continued.
In addition, Cameron emphasizes that it was a business decision, admitting that it's difficult to refuse the figure that LIV offered him. Playing golf professionally and spending time in Australia is something Smith has always wanted. In addition, he wanted to support junior golf in Australia and spend as much time as possible there. Popular golf had no doubt that the Saudi-backed Tour was the right option for him.
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Cameron Smith's interview after winning the Open
The 31-year-old wasn't happy after winning the Open with the questions he received, which mainly concerned his future and the wishes of golfers. Cameron Smith wanted the focus to be on his greatest career success. However, reporters wanted to know more about LIV. Smith had trouble accepting such questions.
"Yeah, it was definitely, I guess, a frustrating media conference after the Open," said Smith.
"I think, like you said, perhaps a little bit overshadowed that I'd probably just won the biggest tournament that I'll ever play in and someone was asking that."
Speaking about the critics, the Australian isn't too worried, as he pointed out that he expected criticism to come at his expense. In that period, there was a huge aversion to LIV, and Smith didn't know what such a decision entailed. This amazing golferbelieves that he made the right decision.
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"But as I look back on that, it's just a guy trying to do his job. I suppose it was a little bit harder from then onwards, definitely whilst making the decision, just some nasty stuff, I suppose, said by the keyboard warriors. I knew it was going to be tough, but I feel since I made the decision, I made the right one."- Smith said.
