Smith said that he couldn’t deny the money wasn’t an attraction but it wasn’t the main reason. Source: The Open, Twitter.
The World No.2 announced that he’s making the move from PGA to LIV after he was reportedly offered a $145 million pay deal.
Smith revealed the news which had been speculated for weeks, saying that it was both a business and personal decision.
“[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won’t ignore that or say that wasn’t a reason,” he told Golf Digest.
“The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing. I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia… I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.”
The 29-year-old said that he’s been missing out on too much by living in the US for the past seven years.
“I love living in the U.S., but just little things like missing friends’ weddings, birthday parties and seeing your mates having a great time at rugby league games has been tough.
News of his move comes only about a month after he won The British Open Championship in Scotland and less than a week before LIV host their invitational in Boston from September 2-4.
Joining Smith will be fellow Australian Marc Leishman, Joaquin Niemann, Harold Varner III, Anirban Lahiri as well as Cameron Tringale.
The LIV Golf series was established by Australian and legendary golfer Greg Norman and operates on a different format to that of the PGA.
In total, there are 12 teams, 48 players, 54 holes and eight events within a season. They also say there will be no cuts but will provide shotgun starts.
LIV Golf is backed by Saudi Arabia and their Public Investment Fund and will serve as the PGA’s main rival when it comes to tournament golf. The initiative has seen some backlash due to alleged human rights violations by the Saudi Arabian government.
Greg Norman responded to claims that LIV Gold is sportswashing, saying that it will help to “grow the game into the future for the next generation”.
LIV Golf recently joined the antirust lawsuit against the PGA Tour which was started by several golfers who were suspended from the PGA Tour because they were also playing in the LIV.
