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Cam Smith reveals his primary reasons behind decision to join LIV Golf

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LIV Golf made their monumental signing of Cameron Smith official this morning, which still feels enormous despite how long the rumors have been circulating.

The number two ranked player in the world initially sent shockwaves throughout the golf world when he refused to shoot down rumors of his joining LIV Golf after his victory at the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews.

In an interview with Golf Digest, Smith detailed his reasoning for making the jump to LIV.

The Australian admitted that money was a major factor in his decision process saying,

““[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won’t ignore that or say that wasn’t a reason,” he said. “It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore.”

Smith has earned $27 million in his eight year career on the PGA TOUR, so the fact that the reported $100 million guaranteed was a motivating influence shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

In addition to the massive financial incentive, the 29-year-old spoke about some other factors that impacted his decision, including the ability to spend more time in his native Australia.

“The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing,” Smith told Golf Digest. “I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well. I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.”

Smith had moved to the United States when earning his PGA TOUR card, but is a proud Australian who misses many things about being home.

“I’ve lived over here seven years now, and I love living in the U.S., but just little things like missing friends’ weddings, birthday parties and seeing your mates having a great time at rugby league games has been tough,” he said.

The opportunity to play along Marc Leishman in a LIV event in Australia, who was also announced to be joining LIV Golf today, certainly made things easier for Smith as well.

“I’m sure with Leish and I playing it’ll be appealing for LIV [to take an event there],” Smith said.

Australian Golf Digest reported that there will be a 2023 LIV event in Australia, which Smith would look forward to competing in.

In addition to being able to spend more time at home, the team aspect of LIV was also appealing for the Champion Golfer of the Year.

“For me personally, I love teams golf, and it’s something I wish I could have more often,” Smith said. “I love the four-person teams aspect [of LIV]. Even when you’re out of the tournament, there’s something else to play for.”

Representing his country is of great importance to Smith, and being able to create an Australian team for LIV certainly grabbed his attention.

Smith will be making his LIV Golf debut at The International outside of Boston starting on September 2.

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19th Hole

‘I really think it’s possible’ – 4-time major champ says Scottie Scheffler could win the Grand Slam in 2024

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During the Sky Sports commentary after the PLAYERS Championship, analyst and golf legend Laura Davies said she believes Scottie Scheffler could win the grand slam this year.

“He’s on a different level,” said the four-time major champion.

“As soon as he started holing those putts at Bay Hill the rest of the field must have thought ‘oh we’re in a bit of trouble here’ because they know statistically, he’s No.1 in every category apart from the putting. But he now looks so relaxed over his putts.”

In his last two events, Scheffler has gained an average of .87 Strokes Gained: Putting on the field, which is more than enough for him to be absolutely dominant.

“The fact he won this week with an injury in the third round, and it was uncomfortable for him, but it was really nice to see on Sunday because he did feel more comfortable that he turned it into an 8-under 64, and the others have got their hands full now,” Davies added.

“Going forward, I don’t think it’s a long shot to say he’s going to win at least two of the four majors this season, maybe even three, maybe even the Grand Slam.

“I really think it’s possible.”

It would be an amazing feat, but if anyone can do it this season, it’s Scottie Scheffler.

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Rory McIlroy takes shot at Greg Norman while discussing Monday’s Saudi PIF meeting

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Rory McIlroy has recently changed his tune on both LIV and the Saudi Arabian PIF, but according to recent comments, he still isn’t a big fan of LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman.

While speaking to the media after his final round of the PLAYERS Championship, McIlroy expressed optimism for PIF Governor Yasir al-Rumayyan’s intentions in the game of golf.

“They’re a sovereign wealth fund. They want to park money for decades and not worry about it,” McIlroy said of the PIF.

“They want to invest in smart and secure businesses, and the PGA Tour is definitely one of those, especially if they’re looking to invest in sport in some way.I have spent time with Yasir. I think the people who have represented him in LIV have done him a disservice, so Norman and those guys.

Reportedly, a meeting will be taking place in Ponte Vedra today with the PGA Tour Board of Directors and the PIF. According to Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, that meeting will include Tiger Woods.

“I think it should have happened months ago, so I am glad it’s happening,” Rory said.

“Hopefully that progresses conversations and gets us closer to a solution.”

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Scottie Scheffler had an interesting response when asked how he ‘quiets the noise’ following Players victory

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After Scottie Scheffler’s incredibly impressive victory at the PLAYERS Championship, he spoke on camera about his approach.

Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee asked the world number one “how do you quiet the noise?”

Scheffler replied, “I just try to do my best to stay in my own little world. You know, I don’t have social media, I spend most of my time on Apple News.”

Scheffler added that he clicks “not for me” when golf articles come up to ensure that he doesn’t see anything regarding golf news.

“I really just do my best to stay out of reading things that are either good or bad about myself. If I’m reading bad things about myself, it’ll frustrate me. If I read good things about myself, my head will get too big. So, I really do my best to stay out of the fray and continue to put in the work”.

Scheffler’s approach has clearly been a good one, as he’s playing some of the best golf of any professional in recent memory.

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