Former Open champion and fellow Aussie Ian Baker-Finch has urged Cameron Smith to reject the advances of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series and create a “legacy” on the PGA Tour.
Smith, the first Australian to win the Open Championship since Greg Norman in 1993, is the latest name to be linked to the Norman-fronted Series and it was perhaps no surprise that he was asked to clarify his position during his winning press conference at St Andrews.
“I just won the British Open and you’re asking about that? I think that’s pretty… Not that good,” a clearly annoyed Smith replied when asked if he was tempted by the Saudi riches. He then added: “My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”
As speculation continues to surround the newly crowned Open champion, his fellow countryman believes he should continue on his current path: “I know that they are talking to him and many others,” Baker-Finch told SEN radio. “I hope he doesn’t [join LIV Golf] because I think he can leave a great legacy by winning Major championships and becoming the best player in the world.
“I don’t think he needs the money. I don’t think it is going to be something that he should do. He will be a $100 million guy or more now. Does he want to win more Majors or does he want the money? I am hoping he stays and leaves a great legacy like a Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy – which he could do. I think Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy and a lot of those guys that still compete and play well in Majors, and want to leave a legacy, they’re the guys I would be following.”
The 61-year-old added that the LIV Golf Series has a different allure depending on the stage of a players career: “I think the young guys are missing out,” he said, referring to the likes of Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka who remain at the peak of their professional career.
“The guys who go join LIV are going to miss out on the grind, what it takes to be a champion, to play in the great tournaments against the great players. It’s hard work. You’re not going…
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