Cameron Smith reveals he thought LIV and PGA golf merger was a ‘joke’ ahead of US Open
Cameron Smith reveals he thought gulf fusion was a ‘joke’ when he first heard the news – as Aussie star plots first US Open win
- Smith thought fusion was a “joke.”
- Is in LA for this week’s US Open
- Still no clarity in the golf world
Cameron Smith says he remains in the dark about the future of LIV Golf and he thought news of the shock merger was a joke last week when he first heard it.
In Los Angeles for this week’s US Open, and for the first time since announcing the agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to support LIV Golf, Smith admitted that there are still ‘many things to work out’ in the new world of golf.
The British Open champion revealed he received a call from Saudi PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who brokered the deal with PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan.
Aussie LIV star Cameron Smith revealed he thought the bomb merger that shocked the golf world was initially a ‘joke’
Smith, left, pictured with LIV Golf boss Greg Norman, admitted much remains to be settled post-merger
Saudi magnate Yasir al-Rumayyan (pictured) hasn’t provided much clarity on golf’s progress, according to Smith
But Smith said Al-Rumayyan was not clarifying LIV’s future amid reports that Monahan could have the power to dissolve LIV, which Smith joined last year for a reported $140 million.
“I think the first reaction was I thought it was some kind of joke that had come out, and then (Al-Rumayyan) called me and explained what was going on,” Smith said at his LA press conference. .
βHe didn’t really explain much. I think there are still a lot of things to be worked out, and as time goes on, we’ll find out more and more. But there are certainly a lot of curious players, I think, on both sides about what the future is going to look like.
βI think he was probably calling a few different players, so the call was pretty short and sweet. He didn’t really, I think, explain much, just explain a little bit about what was going to happen that day, and there was still a lot to work out.β
LIV boss Greg Norman has reportedly told all staff it is “business as usual” and should continue to prepare for the rest of 2023, as well as 2024 and 2025.
LIV Golf boss Greg Norman says Rebel tour will go ahead and not disband under PGA banner
But Norman’s own future remains the subject of speculation and while the rest of this year is expected to continue, LIV’s future beyond 2023 remains clouded.
Such is the case for Smith, who captains the all-Australian Ripper GC team in the LIV series.
“To be honest, I know as much as you know,” Smith said.
‘I have not been told much at all; I just take it as it comes.
“I think if anything comes up I’ll let you know, but right now it’s just trying to play the best golf I can and try to win a US Open.”
Smith will practice at the LA Country Club on Sunday ahead of the US Open
Fellow LIV star Sergio Garcia told Sky Sports in LA that he didn’t have much information either, but was preparing for a different future.
“I wish I could tell you more, but unfortunately I don’t know much, and I think things will come out when everything is settled,” Garcia said.
“In the end, we’re probably where we should have been from the start and it’s better for everyone, so that’s the most important thing.
‘If there’s no LIV Golf, I’ve got to go somewhere! We will see.’
Smith will play the opening rounds in LA with defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick.