Australian Open champion Cameron Smith, now 33, told the Sydney Morning Herald that he has fully accepted his exclusion from the Presidents Cup after his decision years ago to join LIV Golf. With the Saudi Public Investment Fund pulling back its backing, the future of LIV Golf – often referred to as “LIV 2.0” – remains unclear, and Smith says he needs more answers before deciding his next step.
Uncertainty Over LIV Golf’s Restructuring
Smith explained that the league’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing has created a “limbo” for players. The restructuring plan, negotiated with BC Partners Advisors, requires at least half of the players with financial claims to agree to participate in LIV 2.0 within 35 days, and those players must represent at least two‑thirds of the total dollar amount of claims. Smith is listed as a creditor owed $4.8 million in unsecured claims.
“We don’t really know,” Smith said. “It’s hard to make a decision when you don’t have at least some of the answers to make the right decision, or any decision. We need a few more answers.”
Potential Paths Forward
Smith said he is weighing two possible routes: serving a 12‑month suspension from the PGA Tour and possibly playing on the DP World Tour during that time, or remaining with LIV Golf as the league seeks a new business model. “I guess that’s one way; the other way is staying with LIV,” he added.
Presidents Cup Exclusion
Because LIV Golf players are barred from the Presidents Cup, Smith has been unable to compete for the International team. He has only played in one Presidents Cup, in 2019, and acknowledges that his move to LIV was a “downside” that he has fully accepted.
“I’ve definitely accepted it,” Smith said. “I knew that was one of the, I guess, downsides to going to LIV, and I’ve fully accepted that. I sent Adam Scott a message congratulating him on a great week at the BMW PGA Championship, and wishing him the best for the Presidents Cup. I’d love to see him win one.”
Recent Performance and Personal Reflections
Smith admitted his results have slipped in recent years. His most recent victory came at a LIV Golf event in Bedminster in August 2023. “I know I haven’t played my best golf the last couple of years,” he said. “It eats at you a little bit, and you try to get out of the slump.”
Despite the challenges, Smith remains hopeful that clarity will emerge from the bankruptcy process, allowing him and other players to decide whether to re‑engage with LIV Golf or pursue other tour opportunities.
What This Means for Golf Fans
For fans of the sport, Smith’s comments highlight the broader uncertainty facing professional golf as LIV Golf attempts to restructure. The outcome will affect not only high‑profile players like Smith but also the competitive landscape of international team events such as the Presidents Cup.
As the situation develops, Smith and other players will be watching closely for any updates that could shape their careers and the future of the sport.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
