ST. ANDREWS (Scotland) – Cameron Smith seemed to be unaffected by being asked the question during his winner’s conference. He was responding to rumors that LIV Golf, a new golf league, is close to signing a deal with him to join.
Smith replied, “I just won The British Open, and now you’re asking me about that?” Smith replied, “I think that’s quite, but not that great.”
Smith refused to answer the question or confirm or deny such talk that had been going around in golf circles for weeks.
He said, “I don’t know, mate.” “My team worries about all that stuff. I’m here for the golf tournaments.
LIV Golf was not well-known this week. However, the Saudi-backed league plans to increase its spending with more high-profile signings. Henrik Stenson from Sweden, who was earlier this year named Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain, could be among those joining LIV in the next week. The move was first reported by Expressen, a Swedish newspaper. It is likely that Stenson would lose his Ryder Cup job and Luke Donald will be the leading candidate for the position.
Stenson, who missed the Open cut, was asked to give his schedule Friday. He only replied, “Undecided.”
Stenson is not the only European Ryder Cup winner being mentioned as possible LIV Golf’s next target. Multiple player agents claim that Tommy Fleetwood, an Englishman, is available to jump. Fleetwood was also non-committal about his future tournament schedule.
He said, “To be truthful, I planned the calendar which got up to around now, and then, we’ll just need to reassess our plans and go again.” “I am happy with the progress that I’m making.”
Although not sharing one’s upcoming schedule doesn’t necessarily mean one is heading to LIV either, neither player provided any assurances they would continue with the PGA Tour nor DP World Tour.
Hideki Matsuyama, a former Masters champion, was the other name that got a lot of attention as he switched his loyalty to LIV. The Mirror reported that he would announce his decision following the FedEx St. Jude Championship next year.
LIV would benefit from the Japanese star’s endorsement, particularly in Japan where Matsuyama is a popular attraction. Matsuyama would likely be the captain of LIV Japan’s team, just like Smith would likely assume the role of captain for an Australian team of golfers if he made the move.
American Jason Kokrak, who previously represented Golf Saudi Arabia, is expected to confirm that he is joining LIV and will compete at the next event which will be held in New Jersey on July 29-31 at Trump Bedminster.
By: Adam Schupak
Title: Cameron Smith deflects question if he’s heading to LIV Golf – ‘I just won the British Open, and you’re asking about that?’ – as rumor mill heats up for more big-name signings
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/07/17/cameron-smith-deflects-question-liv-golf-at-british-open/
Published Date: Sun, 17 Jul 2022 21:02:14 +0000
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