19th Hole

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

Published

2 years ago

Aug 30, 2022

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

Related: Report: Joaquin Niemann secures monster payday after agreeing to join LIV Golf

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.

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

Published

21 hours ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

OWGR Announcement
Read more here – https://t.co/7J4bFpawqv #OWGR #OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/ZfBJWCFAm8

— OWGR (@OWGRltd) April 25, 2024

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

New here?

Find out more about GolfWRX and the GolfWRX forums.

Your Reaction?

LIKE4
LEGIT1
WOW1
LOL2
IDHT0
FLOP0
OB1
SHANK5

19th Hole

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

Published

1 day ago

Apr 25, 2024

Matt Vincenzi

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.

New here?

Find out more about GolfWRX and the GolfWRX forums.

Your Reaction?

LIKE3
LEGIT0
WOW0
LOL3
IDHT0
FLOP1
OB1
SHANK6

19th Hole

Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

Published

2 days ago

Apr 24, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

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.

RELATED: ‘There were a number of red flags’ – Ludvig Aberg reveals why he turned down multiple LIV offers

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”

Your Reaction?