Australian golf superstar Cameron Smith has laughed off retirement rumours and declared he has received “every assurance” that LIV Golf will continue beyond this year. The future of the Saudi-backed breakaway league — and Smith’s all-Australian Ripper GC team — has been thrown into doubt after reports that Saudi Arabia has withdrawn its funding.
Smith Confident in LIV's Future
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Smith remained unfazed by the speculation. “Since joining LIV, I have learnt to deal with speculation and reports, so it hasn’t really changed,” he said. When asked what assurances he had been given about LIV’s future beyond 2025, Smith replied: “Every assurance. Absolutely. That’s the goal, 100 per cent.” Pressed on who had offered that assurance, he added: “I promise you will hear it first from someone else, rather than me.”
Smith was cautious about expanding on LIV’s future during a teleconference with Australian media from Virginia, USA, where LIV’s next tournament begins on Thursday. “It’s just so fresh, so there’s nothing really to say,” he said. “I know the team are working hard behind the scenes and they’re doing everything they can for us. So I am excited, I know Scott O’Neil is really excited for the progress and challenge in the coming months.”
Retirement Rumours Dismissed
Asked about rumours suggesting he might retire, Smith laughed before replying: “I’m 32, so I have got a while yet. Gee, I haven’t been asked that question before. That’s good.” The Queenslander has earned more than $US50 million in LIV prize money after signing a deal reportedly worth around $US100 million. As captain of the all-Australian Ripper GC, which also features Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert and Elvis Smylie, Smith holds a 25 per cent equity stake in the team, with the league retaining the remainder.
LIV has targeted a $US300 million valuation for its 13 teams as it seeks private investors. Ripper GC boss Nick Adams recently suggested team values could reach $US1 billion — if sold at that price, Smith would be in line for another massive payday of $US250 million.
Focus on Majors
Despite the financial windfall, Smith acknowledged his on-course struggles ahead of next week’s major, the US PGA Championship in Pennsylvania. Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, was the only golfer last year to miss the halfway cut in all four majors. He also failed to make the weekend at last month’s Masters. “Early in my career, I hung my hat on how I performed in the majors,” Smith said. “And it’s just not good enough. I am making a few changes and trying to get back to where I was and better. I can promise you, the fire is in the belly, it’s just a matter of time. I don’t think time is running out on my major career by any means.”
