Australian golfing champion Cameron Smith is facing a pivotal career decision, with the PGA Tour presenting him a limited-time opportunity to return from the breakaway LIV Golf circuit.
The "One-Time" Offer on the Table
The PGA Tour has instigated a new Returning Member Program, which appears tailored for recent major winners who defected to LIV. Smith, who captured the 2022 British Open at St Andrews, qualifies for this pathway. However, he must opt in by February 2, with the tour warning there is "no promise this path will be available again."
This move comes after five-time major winner Brooks Koepka recently quit LIV Golf and was accepted back under the program's stringent conditions. The criteria apply to players who have won a major or the Players Championship between 2022 and 2025, also covering LIV's Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
Significant Financial Sacrifices Required
Returning is not a simple process. Koepka's deal, which sets the precedent, involves heavy penalties. He agreed to a five-year forfeiture of potential equity in the PGA Tour's Player Equity Program, which could see him miss out on an estimated $US50-85 million (up to $A126 million). Additionally, he must make a $US5 million ($A7.45 million) charitable donation.
PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp stated the program includes "heavy and appropriate limitations to both tournament access and potential earnings," though specific details beyond Koepka's deal remain undisclosed. Rolapp indicated the policy change responds to fan demand to see the world's best players compete together more often.
Smith's Current Stance and Form
To date, the 32-year-old Queenslander, who captains the all-Australian Ripper GC team in LIV, has given no public indication he wishes to defect. His world ranking has suffered since the move, plummeting to No.207 as LIV events do not earn official ranking points.
His form also dipped after his headline-grabbing $US100 million ($A150 million) switch following his Open Championship win. However, he showed encouraging signs at last month's Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, finishing just one shot behind winner Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
Koepka, 35, cited a desire to spend more time with family as his reason for leaving LIV with a year remaining on his contract. He is set to make his PGA Tour return at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego from January 29 to February 1.
Notably, the program's criteria exclude another LIV stalwart, Phil Mickelson, by just one year. His 2021 PGA Championship victory falls outside the 2022-2025 window, barring him from this specific return route.
