Cam Smith ready to ‘cop some heat’ over LIV Golf decision drama

Cam Smith is ready for whatever comes his way as questions over his golf future abound.

Smith, who won The Open last month, has been heavily rumored to be defecting from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, with fellow Australian golfer Cameron Percy saying a move was imminent. The Telegraph reported on Tuesday that Smith will join with the Saudi-backed tour for $100 million, with an announcement following the ongoing FedEx Cup.

Asked earlier in the week about a move, Smith demurred, saying he wants to focus on the FedEx Cup. And when asked by Sky Sports about reporters reading between the lines of those comments, Smith said he’s OK with taking heat for it.

“It’s just their job, mate, that’s what they’re there to do,” Smith said. “They’re there to sell stories. I’m sure they’ve had a few looks at it the last few days. 

“I’m ready to cop some heat. I understand that’s what I said, but like I said I’m here to win the FedEx Cup playoffs that’s my No. 1 goal and whatever happens after that will come from me.”

Smith bristled at questions about a departure after his win at St. Andrews last month, but it seems to be only a matter of time before he officially joins the group of defectors that has set the golf world alight.

Things have escalated further this week, with the PGA winning a legal victory over three players it suspended from the FedEx Cup for playing with LIV, and Greg Norman’s renegade tour needing to shut down the notion that its players only receive prize money if the amount is greater than their guaranteed pay.