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19th Hole

Major champ urges Cam Smith to turn down reported mammoth offer to join LIV

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Two days after winning the 150th Open Championship, speculation is ramping up as to the potential for Cam Smith to join the LIV Golf Series.

The 28-year-old has the potential to become one of his country’s most decorated golfers, with the green jacket well in reach after being runner-up, third, fifth and 10th in his last five attempts around the hallowed turf.

Now ranked No. 2 in the Official World Golf Rankings, Smith would be the catch of the year for the Greg Norman-led series. Indeed, rumors of an offer of around $100 million to join the Saudi-backed tour is reportedly on the table for the Aussie.

What makes the episode more enthralling was Smith’s response during his winner’s press conference.

When a reporter asked Smith whether he was considering joining the rebel league, the answer was less than convincing:

“I just won the British Open and you’re asking about that? I think that’s … not that good.”

To make matters worse, when pressed to answer if he was in talks with LIV, Smith was very inconclusive:

“I don’t know, mate. My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”

Of course, he’s just won the biggest tournament in the calendar, and on one of the great historic occasions, so he is easy to forgive. However, it hasn’t stopped him from dominating this week’s headlines.

Whilst Smith’s coach, Grant Field, insisted, “The sky is the limit for Cam. I can see more majors in his future if he puts the work in,” fellow Aussie Open winner, Ian Baker-Finch, pleaded with Smith to reject any further advances from the rebels.

The 61-year-old, winner of the Open at Royal Birkdale, said he understood the appeal for both sides, telling the Australian radio station 3AW that:

“I know that they’re talking to him and to many others. I hope he doesn’t (accept) because I think he can leave a great legacy by winning major championships and becoming the best player in the world.”

On the huge money that is reputed to have been offered, the CBS Sports analyst admitted that, “I don’t think he needs the money. I don’t think it’s going to be something he should do. It’s his decision – he’ll be a $100 million guy or more if he did go.”

Baker-Finch didn’t seem convinced by the way Smith answered questions, commenting:

“Does he want to win more majors or does he want the money?” before putting up the case to stay on the main tours.

“I’m hoping that he stays (on the PGA Tour). Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy and a lot of those guys that still compete and play well in majors and want to win majors and want to leave a legacy. They’re the guys I would be following.”

In a more general swipe at the way the LIV program is being advertised, Baker-Finch again hopes for a change in the way younger players look at the series.

“The guys who go join LIV are going to miss out on the grind, what it takes to be a champion, to play in the great tournaments against the great players,” he said.

“It’s hard work. And you’re not going to be a better player by going and playing 54-hole exhibition matches and getting paid 150-grand to finish last.”

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Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

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As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.

One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:

“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.

Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”

And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
  • otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech.  He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly.  Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy.  He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for.  There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind.  World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
  • konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.

Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”

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‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage

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Over the past year or so, PGA Tour star Patrick Cantlay has taken a great deal of criticism for his pace of play.

Now, Cantlay is once again under fire for a questionable decision he made on Sunday at the RBC Heritage.

After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, whose ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.

On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.

Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and return to chip and putt on Monday morning.

Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision-making.

Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 Monday morning.

Following his round, Cantlay explained his decision to wait to hit his third shot the next morning:

“I really did want to finish last night, so I felt like if I could get the ball up there maybe in an easier spot, maybe I would have finished, but as I got the ball up near the green, I realized it would be easier to finish this morning. That’s what I decided to do.”

GolfWRX has reached out to Patrick Cantlay’s management team for a response to Woosnam’s comments.

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