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19th Hole

Cam Smith trying to ‘block out’ LIV speculation as he looks to scoop FedEx Cup prize

Published

2 years ago

on

If there is one thing LIV Golf can’t be accused of, it is a lack of exposure on social media and the press.

It seems that every time there is a big event on the PGA Tour or (coincidentally) on the LPGA Tour, there are a myriad of rumors, conjecture, injunctions, and insults, flying around from one party or the other.

Naturally, then, in the week of the Tour Championship, the last event of the PGA Tour season, Cam Smith has had to field questions based around (more than) strong rumors that he is soon off to head an Australian team on the Greg Norman-led tour.

After winning the historic 150th Open Championship in July, the Australian was at pains to point out to those asking the constant questions:

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

And that has, pretty much, been his stance throughout the last month, weeks that have passed with much incident for the current world number two.

Sitting just two shots off the lead at the FedEx St. Jude Championship after three rounds, Smith was penalized two shots for playing the ball from the wrong place, before his withdrawal from last week’s BMW Championship.

Going into the season decider, the 29-year-old was again asked about the future, this time by GolfDigest. Again he was adamant:

“I have tried to block it all out. Like I’ve said all along, I’m just here to play really good golf. My goal this week is to make lots of putts and try to be the first Australian to win the FedEx Cup.”

His recent withdrawal means that he now starts six strokes behind world number one and FedEx leader, Scottie Scheffler, next to Rory McIlroy, a fervent opponent of the LIV organization, only recently stating that “If LIV went away tomorrow, I’d be super happy.”

 

“Mate, to be honest, six shots… it’s not that much,” Smith said to the on-line magazine. “The course is a little wet, which will mean I’ll hit more fairways and have more looks at birdie.”

Smith continued, “East Lake is a tough track to lead on and if you are scrambling for par all day, this course will make you pay. I don’t even think 10 shots is a lot. It wouldn’t surprise me if, one year, one of the guys from 25 to 30 came up the leaderboard and won everything.”

Summing up, Smith diverts attention away from the obvious by stating:

“[A win] would be an incredible end to a really good season. There’s no reason why I can’t come out and get it done.”

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19th Hole

Report: Tiger Woods voted against Rory McIlroy returning to policy board; Will be the only player negotiating directly with Saudis

Published

12 hours ago

on

May 9, 2024

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According to a report from The Telegraph, the relationship between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy has soured.

Last week, reports surfaced that McIlroy, who was a member of the PGA Tour policy board during most of the past few years, was looking to rejoin the board, presumably taking Webb Simpson’s seat.

However, on Wednesday, McIlroy revealed that he will not be rejoining the policy board, due to people on the board being “uncomfortable” with that “for some reason.”

The Telegraph has reported that Tiger Woods was among the players who voted against McIlroy returning to the policy board.

The divide is apparently due to McIlroy pushing for the game of golf to unify, whereas Woods, reportedly, believes the PGA Tour is in a fine position where it currently stands.

The Associated Press added another wrinkle to the situation, reporting that Woods is the only player who will be negotiating directly with the Saudis.

The other members of the committee are PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John W. Henry of Fenway Sports Group, and Joe Ogilvie, who was a former PGA Tour player.

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19th Hole

Phil Mickelson reveals he won’t be pursuing broadcasting career when he retires from golf

Published

1 day ago

on

May 8, 2024

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On Tuesday, Chris McKee, a Toronto writer and radio host, wondered aloud on his X account if Phil Mickelson will be a commentator after his playing days are over.

“The second Phil Mickelson retires he’ll instantly become the most sought after TV analyst in golf. Would any PGA Tour broadcaster (CBS, ESPN, NBC or Sky) bring him in or would he have to stick to LIV broadcasts? #LIVGolf”

Mickelson saw the post and responded, saying he’s not interested in moving from the course to the broadcast booth.

“Thank you for the kind words. However, just cuz someone CAN do something doesn’t mean they SHOULD do it. Instead of commentating, I’m going to shoot some Pros vs Schmos 9 hole matches. I’ll share insights throughout as well as talk a little smack. It won’t be the highest quality video but it’ll be fun for me to do and fun to watch I think too.”

While I believe many fans would like to see Phil in the booth, his idea of “Pro’s vs Schmo’s” could certainly be intriguing.

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PGA Tour pro sounds off on ‘unfair’ PGA Championship invites

Published

1 day ago

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May 8, 2024

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This week, the PGA of America made some surprising announcements regarding the field of next week’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The event now will feature 16 LIV players with Talor Gooch, Dean Burmester, David Puig, Adrian Meronk and Patrick Reed receiving special exemptions.

PGA Tour player, Dylan Wu, took issue with how the exemptions were used and went to X to share his thoughts.

“Why is there never “real” qualifications for the PGA Championship? You have a points list and World ranking invite. Usually just outside top 100 in OWGR gets in. Chan Kim ranked 104th in OWGR doesn’t get in. SH Kim at 107th isn’t in.”

“Jesper Svennson ranked 108th gets in. Tim Widing 120th gets in. Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald gets a spot. A bunch of guys get leapfrogged even though they’re ranked higher than others. Seems like they just invite whoever they want. Unfair to the guys on the edge like Chan and SH”

“Just seems like the world of professional golf is in a weird spot and I love that the tournament invited a handful of great LIV players but figure out a correct system for a major championship where guys know they’ll be in or not. ????”

Fans who replied to Wu seemed to agree that a more definitive ranking system for the PGA Championship should be established.

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