World No. 2 golfer Cameron Smith is coming off a win at The Open Championship last weekend and looks set for a change of scenery. According to TMZ Sports, Smith is “closing” on a deal to join LIV Golf, which would make him the latest star to jump ship from the PGA Tour in favor of the Saudi-backed organization. Smith, who shot an eight-under 64 on Sunday to seal victory at St. Andrews, was asked after the tournament if he planned to join LIV Golf. While he seemed bothered by the question, he didn’t deny the possibility. “I just won the British Open and you’re asking about it. I think it’s not that good,” Smith said. “I don’t know, man. My team around me worries about all of this. I’m here to win golf tournaments.” Smith was also congratulated by LIV Golf Commissioner Greg Norman on Twitter, further fueling speculation that he is set to join LIV’s competitive lineup. If the deal goes through, Smith will join a long list of recognizable names to move to LIV Golf, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. However, Smith would be the highest-ranked player to join the controversial league. LIV Golf has attracted top players to make the jump from the PGA Tour by handing out major contracts. Mickelson reportedly received a $200 million deal to sign with the league. While Smith likely won’t command that value, it can be expected that the 28-year-old Australian is attracted by the prospect of earning a nine-figure deal. The PGA Tour has said it will ban all players who compete in LIV Golf events with the possibility of banning them from the four major championships starting in 2023.
