Cameron Smith reveals details of private chat with R&A boss over LIV decision

Cameron Smith has revealed details of a private conversation he had with the R&A chief executive when he told him he was considering joining LIV Golf.

Ben Smith

14 Jul 2023

Cameron Smith reveals details of private chat with R&A boss over LIV decision — Cameron Smith reveals details of private chat with R&A boss over LIV…

Cameron Smith has revealed Martin Slumbers told him he would 'always' be welcome back to the Open Championship after the Aussie told the R&A chief executive he was considering joining LIV Golf in the immediate aftermath of his maiden major victory.

Cast your mind back 12 months ago and the landscape of men's professional golf was considerably different.

Given how things have transpired, there is a distinct possibility there could be another bombshell twist before Smith tees it up at Royal Liverpool next week as he attempts to defend the Claret Jug.

When Smith, 29, joined the rival league we didn't know the fate of LIV Golf players in the major championships.

Of course, there are some top pros who have missed out on some because they have fallen down the world rankings.

You reap what you sow, it was argued.

But there was a question about whether or not LIV Golf players would be banned from the majors altogether regardless of the OWGR situation.

Smith told Telegraph Sport he had a conversation with Slumbers about it all.

He told the paper:

"I had a new responsibility as Open champion and rang Martin Slumbers to tell him what I was considering [joining LIV Golf].

"Martin was a gentleman and told me I'd always be greeted back."

More:

It wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest Smith has probably been asked about LIV Golf as many times as he has watched his famous Road Hole putt at St. Andrews.

But he's still entertaining them. Asked once against about his decision, the Aussie said for the first time he was worried about others' opinions

Smith continued:

"Yeah, there were a few sleepless nights, worrying what others thought. But you can't live like that. You have to do things that are right for yourself and your family."

No sooner had Smith posed with the Claret Jug for photographs was he involved in a tense exchange with a reporter.

Smith now looks back on that with a different perspective and conceded that it was 'just a guy trying to do his job'.

Australian golfer Cameron Smith when asked if he is considering joining the Saudi-backed LIV golf tour:
"I just won the British Open and you're asking about that. I think that's pretty not that good." pic.twitter.com/YnnrYx9Y0t
— The Recount (@therecount) July 18, 2022