The aftermath of the $3 billion merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour continues to reverberate throughout the golfing world. With golfers from both the Tours coming forward and giving their takes on the announcement that came as a shock, there have been mixed opinions swirling around.

Among the many players affected by the surprising alliance is Australian golfer Cameron Smith, who made an astonishing confession ahead of the 2023 U.S. Open at the prestigious Los Angeles Country Club.

Golfers Wrestle with Uncertainty and Curiosity

Cameron Smith, who has etched his name in golf history with his remarkable performances, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport, was asked about his thoughts on the PGA Tour and Public Investment Fund’s plan to form a new global golf entity. With a hint of disbelief, Smith replied, “I guess the first reaction was I thought it was kind of a joke that had come out.”

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Smith also acknowledged the curiosity among players on both sides about the future of the sport. “But there’s definitely a lot of curious players, I think, on both sides as to what the future is going to look like,” he stated.

Smith, who made headlines by joining LIV Golf last year, expressed his peace with the decision amid the surprising merger. He stated, “I’m at peace with my choice. I believe I made the correct decision to join LIV, merger or not.”

LIV Golf, with its innovative 54-hole no-cut tournaments and team format, has raised questions about its future and how it will fit into the golfing calendar. The controversial merger, announced seemingly out of the blue, brings together the US and European PGA Tours with the Saudi state-owned Public Investment Fund, which is bankrolling LIV Golf.

Controversial Merger Leaves PGA Tour in Disarray

The announcement blindsided key stakeholders, leaving players to discover the news through social media platforms like Twitter. Prominent PGA Tour loyalists, including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods were kept in the dark, and McIlroy even expressed feeling “cheated” and like “sacrificial lamb” in the wake of the merger.

The unexpected alliance has led to calls for long-term PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monaghan who strongly opposed joining LIV Golf just a year ago, to step down from his position.

As the golfing world awaits further developments, Cameron Smith remains focused on his game, saying, “I guess if anything comes up, I’ll let you guys know. But for the moment, it’s just trying to play the best golf I can and trying to win a US Open.”

Smith’s best US Open result to date was a tie for fourth in his debut event in 2015 at Chambers Bay. He has had two consecutive missed cuts in his last two US Open appearances at the Country Club in Brookline and Torrey Pines.

Smith is set to begin his campaign at the U.S. Open playing alongside Sam Bennett and Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick in the first two rounds, promising an exciting start to the prestigious championship.

The merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour has undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the golfing community. As the dust settles, the future of this new global golf entity remains uncertain, leaving players, fans, and enthusiasts eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for the sport.

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