World No.2 Cameron Smith says the opportunity to spend more time in Australia was a big factor in his decision to sign with LIV Golf.
The game’s worst kept secret was confirmed on Tuesday, with the reigning Open champion announced as one of six players to sign with the Greg Norman-led series.
Smith is joined by fellow Aussie Marc Leishman, as well as Joaquin Niemann, Anirban Lahiri, Cameron Tringale and Harold Varner III.
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It’s reported Smith’s signature cost LIV Golf somewhere in the region of $140 million. The 29-year-old conceded the money was difficult to ignore, but not the main reason he signed.
“[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won’t ignore that or say that wasn’t a reason,” Smith told Golf Digest. “It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore.
“The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing.
“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.
“I’ve lived over here seven years now, and I love living in the US, 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.”
Smith’s signing is the biggest coup to date for LIV Golf. As well as his win at St Andrews in July, he’s also the reigning champion at the Players Championship, the PGA Tour’s flagship event.
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The stars who’ve signed with Greg Norman’s LIV Golf tour
