Golf’s worst kept secret is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday night, with world No.2 Cameron Smith’s $AU140 million defection to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series set to be revealed.
With the LIV’s fourth event to get underway at The International Golf Club in Boston on Friday, the 29-year-old is expected to be the headline new addition to the 48-man field. Australian Marc Leishman is also expected to join compatriot Smith.
ASydney Mornng Heraldreports the announcement is expected on Tuesday night.
His defection will be the biggest blow to the US PGA Tour, with the Australian taking home the Claret Jug last month in the last major of the year.
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Smith had yet to leave the Old Course before uncomfortably deflecting questions surrounding his future in the game. Ever since remaining coy on his future, Smith has faced a barrage of scrutiny around his decision to join the rebels.
Less than 48 hours ago FedEx Cup champion and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, who lost in his bid to win this year’s Open as Smith came in over the top of the Northern Irishman during a thrilling fourth round at the home of golf, said he “hated” what was occurring to the game.
“If you believe in something I think you have to speak up, and I believe very strongly about this. I really do,” McIlroy said of his strong anti-LIV stance.
“I hate what it’s doing to the game of golf. I hate it. I really do. Like it’s going to be hard for me to stomach going to Wentworth in a couple of weeks’ time and seeing 18 of them there. That just doesn’t sit right with me.
“I believe what I‘m saying are the right things, and I think when you believe that what you’re saying is the right things, you’re happy to stick your neck out on the line.”
Once considered a competition to fill your bank accounts on your way out of golf, the establishment has been rocked in recent months and Smith’s defection pierces the heart of the game.
At 29, the Australian is coming into the peak of his powers.
His defection comes less than 24 hours after Joaquin Niemann, 23, joined the LIV Golf Series, which is offering $AU36 million prize purses for each tournament.
The duo, as well as Leishman, join the likes of major winners Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Henrik Stenson to have joined the financially lucrative LIV Golf Series.
Smith’s defection is expected to be confirmed on Tuesday night.
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