Cameron Smith says it's about 'time' for LIV Golf prize money to come down

Cameron Smith admits he would have no issue with a significant reduction in LIV Golf prize money as uncertainty continues to surround the league's long-term future.

The 2022 Open champion believes the rapid escalation in prize purses across professional golf following LIV's arrival has become unsustainable, and suggested the sport may be heading back towards a more traditional financial model.

Smith's comments come more than a month after the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will no longer fund LIV Golf beyond the end of the current season. 

The league is now actively seeking outside investment to secure its future beyond 2026, with Bryson DeChambeau reportedly playing a leading role in discussions with potential backers.

Since launching in 2022, LIV Golf has offered $30 million prize funds at each event, but those figures are widely expected to come under pressure if the circuit survives in a new form.

The story is little different over on the PGA Tour, especially this week at the penultimate Signature Event of the season and its $20m prize pot at the Memorial Tournament, with $4m going to the winner at Muirfield Village. 

While Smith admits changes appear inevitable for LIV, the Australian insists reduced purses would not affect his commitment to the league.

"I don't think so. This has been an awesome four or five years for us golfers, for everyone around the world. It's changed a lot of things, but I think realistically, it's time for everything to come back to the way it was," Smith told Mirror Sports U.S. in Spain on Tuesday.

"It was obviously not working, and it's pretty far-fetched, realistically. So we'll see what happens. I'm sure there are going to be a lot of changes, particularly with prize money next year."

Smith's comments reflect a growing acknowledgement that the spending war between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour cannot continue indefinitely. 

The 32-year-old believes a reset may be necessary as the professional game enters a new phase.

As LIV looks to attract investors, league executives have increasingly focused on team golf as a key part of their long-term vision. 

While the team format has divided opinion among fans since LIV's launch, Smith believes it remains central to the league's identity.

"I think LIV is trying to be different, and through tough times, you lean toward what's worked in the past," he said. "I feel as though we really have to lean into the team stuff.

"It works in Australia and South Africa, even last week in Korea and Asia, they love it. I would love to see that become more than what it is now."

Smith, captain of Ripper GC, has warned LIV against moving too far away from the concept that originally set it apart from established tours.

The Australian heads into this week's LIV Golf event at Valderrama encouraged by signs that his game is moving in the right direction under new coach Claude Harmon III.

After enduring a difficult spell over the past two seasons, Smith has shown encouraging form in recent weeks. He was firmly in contention at the PGA Championship before eventually finishing tied seventh, five shots behind winner Aaron Rai at Aronimink.

With confidence returning and major changes potentially looming for LIV Golf, Smith appears focused on both his game and the league's future direction.