Cameron Smith will be making a comeback at the Hong Kong Open 2023, after six years. He has triumphed six times during his years on the PGA Tour. After shifting to LIV Golf, he has won thrice in the PIF-backed league.

The LIV Golf defectors were banned from playing in the PGA Tour-sanctioned events. At the Hong Kong Open, Smith has taken the lead and attempted to grab victory. Before that, he expressed his disappointment over one missed shot.

Cameron Smith upset with his bogey

Cameron Smith won twice in the breakaway league this year, once in LIV Golf London and again at the LIV Golf Invitational Bedminster. After that, he stood second on the season end of LIV Golf, standing at 170 points behind Talor Gooch.

At the Hong Kong Open sanctioned by the Asian Tour, Smith has completed three rounds of play. He stayed in the 60s, with 66-63-65 and 16 under. While having an absolutely perfect round, the 2022 Open Champion made a bogey on the 16th hole.

A single bogey in the entire round made Smith a bit disappointed. He said, “Hit a really crappy shot off the tee.” Moreover, the Aussie said, he “didn’t feel comfortable with the long stuff all day today. So a little bit of work to do overnight I think, and get it back to where it should be, and it will be fine tomorrow”.

Smith is not the only LIV golfer participating in the Asian Tour event. Talor Gooch, Patrick Reed, and Peter Uihlein are a few to name. But why are the LIV golfers playing in the Hong Kong Open? For the prize money? We think of a different reason entirely.

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LIV golfers race to OWGR points

Although LIV Golf boasts a high prize pool, it lacks the crucial points needed for ranking in the world. In October 2023, the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) rejected the appeals of the LIV golfers, requesting for involvement in the rankings. Now, the only way the players can step up the ranking ladder is by playing in OWGR-sanctioned events. The Hong Kong Open on the Asian Tour is one such tournament.

By playing and acquiring a better standing in the event, LIV players can move up in the OWGR ranks and subsequently get playing rights for the majors. The dilemma LIV golfers are going through may subside after the merger gets confirmed. What changes do you think the PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger will ring about in golf?

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