The Masters: Although calling the media’s coverage of LIV “rubbish,” Cameron Smith acknowledged that the breakaway circuit would benefit from having some of its players compete at The Masters.
The defending Open champion is one of 18 LIV members in the field at Augusta National for the first major of the year, where Rory McIlroy has another chance to complete the career Grand Slam and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion.
A major victory this week for a player from the competing circuit would be a “great statement,” according to Brooks Koepka, while Smith thinks a solid showing from the LIV contingent could help lessen the controversy surrounding their events.
Before The Masters, where he was the only LIV player to have a pre-tournament press conference, Smith remarked, “I just believe it’s just vital for LIV folks to be up there because I think we need to be up there.”
“These folks don’t play genuine golf these guys don’t play actual golf courses; is a common complaint, in my opinion. The fields aren’t as strong, I’ll be the first to admit that, but there are still a lot of people up there who can play some very serious golf.
“We engage in intense weekly competition with one another while attempting to maintain our six-month-old behaviours. It is fantastic to have that competition, and Brooks [Koepka] winning last week is encouraging. He’s golfing pretty well right now. We simply need a great finish, in my opinion.”
With his transfer from the PGA Tour after the FedExCup playoffs last season, Smith acknowledged he was worried about how his colleagues would react to him on the practice range. The Aussie also questioned whether the LIV narrative is being overemphasised.
Smith said, “I just think there’s too much crap going on, frankly. As I mentioned earlier, I spent an hour there and encountered several familiar faces. Hugs and smiles were plentiful, and it was pleasant.”
“I don’t believe there is any animosity between the players. We’re all content with our current circumstances, and I’m just as thrilled for the PGA Tour winners as I am for the LIV golfers.”
Smith was one of the few players who could be seen sporting team gear on Monday at practice, but he was ready to switch out if Augusta officials had an issue with it.
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