Shortly after Cameron Smith captured The Open Championship, his press conference took a fiery turn as the Queenslander was asked about links to the Saudi-backed rebel league LIV Golf.
Smith become the first Australian golfer in 29 years to win the Claret Jug on Monday, after a stunning final round 64 at St Andrews.
During his post-play press conference, the 28-year-old swelled with pride. That was until a local reporter probed him about his name being thrown around as a potential defector to the rival tour – a claim he did not exactly deny.
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In light of his historic win, Smith seemed taken aback at the timing of the question.
“I just won the British Open and you’re asking about that. I think that’s, pretty, not that good.”
Pressed further, Smith did not rule out a move, stating his team handled those affairs.
“I don’t know, mate. My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”
Fellow Australian champion and LIV boss Greg Norman took to Instagram to congratulate Smith, saying the victory placed him “in good company”.
Swede Henrik Stenson is another name linked to the rebel tour, with the 2016 Open champion set to be stripped of the Ryder Cup captaincy if he joins Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer in the LIV ranks.
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The Open 2022: Moment that left Aussie star Cameron Smith fuming in round-three capitulation
