Cam Smith Explains Why He Joined LIV Golf, Refreshingly Admits Money Played A Factor

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Cam Smith has officially left the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf. The question everyone has now is why? Smith is just 29-years-old, is the No. 2 ranked player in the world, and is coming off of the best PGA Tour season of his career. On top of that, the Tour has announced sweeping changes to its schedule and overall operations that would benefit Smith.

JAY MONAHAN, PGA TOUR FINALLY PUNCH BACK AT LIV GOLF WITH ANNOUNCEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

So, why did the Aussie decide to leave the PGA Tour? Smith admitted that a number of factors played a role in his decision-making process. He even said money was a factor, which is something the majority of LIV golfers haven't had the courage to say. “ was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won’t ignore that or say that wasn’t a reason,” Smith told Golf Digest. “It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore.” Smith reportedly signed a deal with LIV Golf worth north of $100 million, which is almost four times his career earnings on the PGA Tour.

Cam Smith Reportedly Joins LIV Golf For Over $100 Million

(Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Cam Smith Is Homesick

While that life-changing money is tough to ignore, Smith was also looking for a lifestyle change, which LIV Golf can provide him. He's looking forward to spending more time in Australia. Smith moved to the U.S. in 2015 and lives in the Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Australia is expected to host at least one LIV Golf event in 2023. Smith and other Australians that have joined the Saudi-backed circuit will welcome that with open arms. Smith will make his LIV Golf debut this week in Boston. He'll be joined by fellow newcomers Marc Leishman, Joquin Niemann, and Harold Varner III, among others.

Follow Mark Harris on Twitter @ItIsMarkHarris

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Mark covers all sports at OutKick while keeping a close eye on the world of professional golf. He graduated from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga before earning his master's degree in journalism from the University of Tennessee. He somehow survived living in Knoxville despite ‘Rocky Top’ being his least favorite song ever written. Before joining OutKick, he wrote for various outlets including SB Nation, The Spun, and BroBible. Mark was also a writer for the Chicago Cubs Double-A affiliate in 2016 when the team won the World Series. He's still waiting for his championship ring to arrive. Follow him on Twitter @itismarkharris.