Major winner Cameron Smith will take inspiration from Australian golfing greats, including Peter Thomson, when he tees off at the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian is the headline act at Fanling as Asia's oldest professional golf tournament returns for the first time since a long break for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wade Ormsby is the defending champion, albeit dating back to 2020, and is among a number of Australians who have triumphed in the southern Chinese city down the decades. Smith, last year's British Open champion, is hoping to add his name to the list of victorious Australians that also includes Greg Norman.&nbsp;

Thomson won the Hong Kong Open three times in the 1960s. "I was actually looking at how many times Peter Thomson won because I feel like he's on every trophy around the world, and has travelled so much, I adore him," Smith said.

"It is a really good list of players and lots of Aussies have been successful around here too, so it would be nice to go on that list." Other former winners include Tom Watson, Colin Montgomerie, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. The $2 million Hong Kong Open is now on the Asian Tour's International Series, which is supported by LIV Golf.

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Smith was among the most high-profile players to jump ship to the upstart Saudi-backed LIV circuit. Ormsby will defend his Hong Kong title while LIV rebels Patrick Reed, Talor Gooch and Graeme McDowell are also in action at the 62nd edition of the tournament.

Ormsby, who also triumphed at the Hong Kong Open in 2017, will be driven on by the memory of his father Pete, who died two weeks ago and had been a big influence on his career. The 43-year-old Ormsby was asked on Wednesday at a news conference about the moustache he was sporting. "My father always had one," he replied.

Major winner Cameron Smith will take inspiration from Australian golfing greats, including Peter Thomson, when he tees off at the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian is the headline act at Fanling as Asia's oldest professional golf tournament returns for the first time since a long break for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Major winner Cameron Smith will take inspiration from Australian golfing greats, including Peter Thomson, when he tees off at the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian is the headline act at Fanling as Asia's oldest professional golf tournament returns for the first time since a long break for the Covid-19 pandemic. Wade Ormsby is the defending champion, albeit dating back to 2020, and is among a number of Australians who have triumphed in the southern Chinese city down the decades. Smith, last year's British Open champion, is hoping to add his name to the list of victorious Australians that also includes Greg Norman. Thomson won the Hong Kong Open three times in the 1960s. "I was actually looking at how many times Peter Thomson won because I feel like he's on every trophy around the world, and has travelled so much, I adore him," Smith said. "It is a really good list of players and lots of Aussies have been successful around here too, so it would be nice to go on that list." Other former winners include Tom Watson, Colin Montgomerie, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. The $2 million Hong Kong Open is now on the Asian Tour's International Series, which is supported by LIV Golf. Also Read: WATCH | Andre Onana howler costs Manchester United two points vs Galatasaray in Champions League Smith was among the most high-profile players to jump ship to the upstart Saudi-backed LIV circuit. Ormsby will defend his Hong Kong title while LIV rebels Patrick Reed, Talor Gooch and Graeme McDowell are also in action at the 62nd edition of the tournament. Ormsby, who also triumphed at the Hong Kong Open in 2017, will be driven on by the memory of his father Pete, who died two weeks ago and had been a big influence on his career. The 43-year-old Ormsby was asked on Wednesday at a news conference about the moustache he was sporting. "My father always had one," he replied.

Golf: Major winner Cameron Smith takes inspiration from Australian greats in Hong Kong

Major winner Cameron Smith fired a seven-under-par 63 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian and headline act at the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event topped the leaderboard along with Spain's Eugenio Chacarra.

In hot, overcast and sometimes blustery conditions on the composite course at Fanling, the 2022 British Open champion Smith carded eight birdies against one bogey. Smith, one of the biggest names to jump ship to the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, made birdies in five of his last seven holes but felt that his round could have gone even better.

However, he was content overall and said "it was all really solid stuff". "I missed one or two shorter putts, but these greens are so tricky here," said the mullet-haired Australian, who is chasing a first victory in the southern Chinese city. "Other than that, it's such a cool track, it's so traditional. "You have to think around here. I love it." Smith and the 23-year-old Chacarra were a shot ahead of Jang Yu-bin of South Korea and Thailand's Gunn Charoenkul at the 62nd edition of Asia's oldest professional golf tournament.

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The American Andy Ogletree, who leads the International Series Order of Merit, was prime among a chasing pack two shots off the lead. Major winners Patrick Reed and Graeme McDowell shot matching 67s and a share of 21st place.

American Talor Gooch, who won three LIV events and this year's lucrative points title,&nbsp;carded 68. The Australian Wade Ormsby, who was victorious when the tournament was last played, in 2020, failed to fire with a first-round 70. The Hong Kong Open is back for the first time in three years following an enforced break because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Major winner Cameron Smith fired a seven-under-par 63 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian and headline act at the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event topped the leaderboard along with Spain's Eugenio Chacarra.

Major winner Cameron Smith fired a seven-under-par 63 to grab a share of the lead after the first round of the Hong Kong Open on Thursday. The 30-year-old Australian and headline act at the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event topped the leaderboard along with Spain's Eugenio Chacarra. In hot, overcast and sometimes blustery conditions on the composite course at Fanling, the 2022 British Open champion Smith carded eight birdies against one bogey. Smith, one of the biggest names to jump ship to the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, made birdies in five of his last seven holes but felt that his round could have gone even better. However, he was content overall and said "it was all really solid stuff". "I missed one or two shorter putts, but these greens are so tricky here," said the mullet-haired Australian, who is chasing a first victory in the southern Chinese city. "Other than that, it's such a cool track, it's so traditional. "You have to think around here. I love it." Smith and the 23-year-old Chacarra were a shot ahead of Jang Yu-bin of South Korea and Thailand's Gunn Charoenkul at the 62nd edition of Asia's oldest professional golf tournament. Also Read: NBA: Mark Cuban sells majority stake of Dallas Mavericks to Casino tycoon Miriam Adelson The American Andy Ogletree, who leads the International Series Order of Merit, was prime among a chasing pack two shots off the lead. Major winners Patrick Reed and Graeme McDowell shot matching 67s and a share of 21st place. American Talor Gooch, who won three LIV events and this year's lucrative points title, carded 68. The Australian Wade Ormsby, who was victorious when the tournament was last played, in 2020, failed to fire with a first-round 70. The Hong Kong Open is back for the first time in three years following an enforced break because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Golf: Cameron Smith grabs lead after first round of Hong Kong Open

Spaniard Joel Moscatel Nachshon fired a remarkable eight-under-par 63 on his DP World Tour debut Thursday to lead the Australian PGA Championship, but defending champion Cameron Smith had a round to forget. In front of big galleries at the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, the 25-year-old equalled the course record to take a one-shot lead after the first round from Australian rising star Min Woo Lee.

Ranked 1,162 in the world, Nachshon fired eight birdies, including five in a row, at the opening event of the European circuit's 2024 season. "I just got into the rhythm," said Nachshon, who was playing at the tour's qualifying school in Spain a week ago. "But tomorrow is a new day, I just have to do my work and try to enjoy it as much as possible."

Lee was the early clubhouse leader after eight birdies and one bogey in his 64. "I felt like I didn't leave much out there and it was a very solid round," said Lee, who has secured 2024 playing rights on the US PGA Tour.&nbsp;

"I putted and chipped really nicely, and then drove it really good." Australia's John Lyras is a stroke behind Lee and one clear of a chasing pack including former Masters champion Adam Scott, Scotland's Connor Syme and Japan's Ryo Hisatsune.

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But major-winner Smith, now playing on the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, was out of sorts and has a mountain to climb to repeat his exploits of last year when he won by three shots.

He bogeyed the par-four 10th, his opening hole, and never recovered to card a two-over 73. "It was frustrating, upsetting," said the former world number two, who has dominated the event in recent years, winning in 2017, 2018 and 2022.&nbsp;

"I really couldn't get anything going." With world-ranking points at stake, the tournament has attracted a number of overseas players as they seek a top-50 year-end finish to secure a place at next year's US Masters. Scottish Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre, who finished tied 12th on debut at the Masters in 2021 and is currently ranked 56, shot a 69 in his bid to make the grade, while Poland's Adrian Meronk, ranked 48, carded a 68.

Spaniard Joel Moscatel Nachshon fired a remarkable eight-under-par 63 on his DP World Tour debut Thursday to lead the Australian PGA Championship, but defending champion Cameron Smith had a round to forget.

Spaniard Joel Moscatel Nachshon fired a remarkable eight-under-par 63 on his DP World Tour debut Thursday to lead the Australian PGA Championship, but defending champion Cameron Smith had a round to forget. In front of big galleries at the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, the 25-year-old equalled the course record to take a one-shot lead after the first round from Australian rising star Min Woo Lee. Ranked 1,162 in the world, Nachshon fired eight birdies, including five in a row, at the opening event of the European circuit's 2024 season. "I just got into the rhythm," said Nachshon, who was playing at the tour's qualifying school in Spain a week ago. "But tomorrow is a new day, I just have to do my work and try to enjoy it as much as possible." Lee was the early clubhouse leader after eight birdies and one bogey in his 64. "I felt like I didn't leave much out there and it was a very solid round," said Lee, who has secured 2024 playing rights on the US PGA Tour. "I putted and chipped really nicely, and then drove it really good." Australia's John Lyras is a stroke behind Lee and one clear of a chasing pack including former Masters champion Adam Scott, Scotland's Connor Syme and Japan's Ryo Hisatsune. Also Read: Lamar Jackson's SAVAGE response to wide receiver Zay Flowers’s touchdown celebration goes viral - Watch But major-winner Smith, now playing on the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, was out of sorts and has a mountain to climb to repeat his exploits of last year when he won by three shots. He bogeyed the par-four 10th, his opening hole, and never recovered to card a two-over 73. "It was frustrating, upsetting," said the former world number two, who has dominated the event in recent years, winning in 2017, 2018 and 2022. "I really couldn't get anything going." With world-ranking points at stake, the tournament has attracted a number of overseas players as they seek a top-50 year-end finish to secure a place at next year's US Masters. Scottish Ryder Cup star Robert MacIntyre, who finished tied 12th on debut at the Masters in 2021 and is currently ranked 56, shot a 69 in his bid to make the grade, while Poland's Adrian Meronk, ranked 48, carded a 68.

Golf: Joel Moscatel Nachshon leads Australian PGA Championship

Australian number one Cameron Smith hopes to earn enough ranking points on his home tour and in next year's majors to qualify for another Olympics at Paris next year.

The former world number two has slipped to 18th since joining the breakaway LIV Golf circuit where players are unable to earn ranking points.

Only the top 60 are eligible to qualify for Paris, while Smith also faces competition for spots on Australia's team from compatriots including major winners Jason Day and Adam Scott.

That has put the onus on Smith to mount a strong defence of his Australian PGA Championship title this week at the Royal Queensland Golf Club to shore up his ranking.

"Yeah I definitely want to be there, 100%," the former British Open winner told reporters of the Olympics on Tuesday.

"I know the criteria, don't know if that can change."

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Smith, who finished in a tie for 10th at the Tokyo Olympics, will also be able to earn points at the Australian Open in Sydney next week.

"I've got these couple of events and four more looks again in the majors, so hopefully I can keep that ranking up," added Smith.

"To wear the coat of arms on the chest again would be pretty special."

LIV's bid to have its players earn ranking points was unanimously rejected last month by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) due to concerns about the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit's format.

While the four majors have allowed LIV players to compete, those who earned exemptions into them due to past results could one day be left out as they are not earning ranking points.

Australian number one Cameron Smith hopes to earn enough ranking points on his home tour and in next year's majors to qualify for another Olympics at Paris next year.

Australian number one Cameron Smith hopes to earn enough ranking points on his home tour and in next year's majors to qualify for another Olympics at Paris next year. The former world number two has slipped to 18th since joining the breakaway LIV Golf circuit where players are unable to earn ranking points. Only the top 60 are eligible to qualify for Paris, while Smith also faces competition for spots on Australia's team from compatriots including major winners Jason Day and Adam Scott. That has put the onus on Smith to mount a strong defence of his Australian PGA Championship title this week at the Royal Queensland Golf Club to shore up his ranking. "Yeah I definitely want to be there, 100%," the former British Open winner told reporters of the Olympics on Tuesday. "I know the criteria, don't know if that can change." ALSO READ | STAGGERING! Record 1.25 million fans attended ODI World Cup, reveals ICC Smith, who finished in a tie for 10th at the Tokyo Olympics, will also be able to earn points at the Australian Open in Sydney next week. "I've got these couple of events and four more looks again in the majors, so hopefully I can keep that ranking up," added Smith. "To wear the coat of arms on the chest again would be pretty special." LIV's bid to have its players earn ranking points was unanimously rejected last month by the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) due to concerns about the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit's format. While the four majors have allowed LIV players to compete, those who earned exemptions into them due to past results could one day be left out as they are not earning ranking points.

Golf: Australia's Cameron Smith eyeing Paris Olympics amid rankings doubt

Cameron Smith said he was "still a bit asleep" after an early start to his second round but roused himself for a share of second place at the&nbsp;Hong&nbsp;Kong&nbsp;Open&nbsp;on Friday.

The 2022 British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;champion, the joint overnight leader in the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event, carded six birdies against two bogeys for four-under-par 66.

The Australian was alongside South Korea's Bae Sang-moon on 11-under overall at the halfway stage at a sweltering Fanling, a shot behind leader Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand.

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The 30-year-old Smith, one of the biggest names to make the jump to the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, was out for his second round starting at 6:45 am.

"The 3:30 alarm this morning was a little bit much," said Smith, who is chasing victory at Asia's oldest professional golf tournament for the first time.

"The body wasn't quite there this morning, it was probably still a little bit asleep.

"But I managed to do what I really needed to do and go into the weekend with a shot."

Asked by AFP if he planned to practise in the afternoon, Smith said he was instead going to have a nap.

Phachara goes into the weekend top of the leaderboard after shooting a seven-under-par 63 to go with his opening-round 65.

Lee Chieh-po was among a group of five players on 10-under overall, two shots off the lead, the Taiwanese claiming an ace on the way to a second-round 65.

Major winners Graeme McDowell and Patrick Reed both in the hunt, lurking ominously at eight-under and seven-under respectively.

Australia's Wade Ormsby, who won Asia's oldest professional golf tournament the last time it was staged, in 2020, missed the cut as his title defence fell flat.&nbsp;

Cameron Smith said he was "still a bit asleep" after an early start to his second round but roused himself for a share of second place at the Hong Kong Open on Friday.

Cameron Smith said he was "still a bit asleep" after an early start to his second round but roused himself for a share of second place at the Hong Kong Open on Friday. The 2022 British Open champion, the joint overnight leader in the $2 million Asian Tour International Series event, carded six birdies against two bogeys for four-under-par 66. The Australian was alongside South Korea's Bae Sang-moon on 11-under overall at the halfway stage at a sweltering Fanling, a shot behind leader Phachara Khongwatmai of Thailand. Also Read: James Maddison to miss England Euro 2024 qualifiers with ankle injury: Tottenham Hotspur The 30-year-old Smith, one of the biggest names to make the jump to the lucrative Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, was out for his second round starting at 6:45 am. "The 3:30 alarm this morning was a little bit much," said Smith, who is chasing victory at Asia's oldest professional golf tournament for the first time. "The body wasn't quite there this morning, it was probably still a little bit asleep. "But I managed to do what I really needed to do and go into the weekend with a shot." Asked by AFP if he planned to practise in the afternoon, Smith said he was instead going to have a nap. Phachara goes into the weekend top of the leaderboard after shooting a seven-under-par 63 to go with his opening-round 65. Lee Chieh-po was among a group of five players on 10-under overall, two shots off the lead, the Taiwanese claiming an ace on the way to a second-round 65. Major winners Graeme McDowell and Patrick Reed both in the hunt, lurking ominously at eight-under and seven-under respectively. Australia's Wade Ormsby, who won Asia's oldest professional golf tournament the last time it was staged, in 2020, missed the cut as his title defence fell flat.

Golf: Aussie Cameron Smith holds on to second place in Hong Kong Open with Phachara in lead

Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster.

The 29-year-old from Brisbane finished 54 holes at the New Jersey layout on 12-under 201 with India's Anirban Lahiri a distant second, seven strokes adrift.

"That was a good day," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to a couple weeks with the clubs down."

Smith moved atop LIV's season points list with the victory.

"That was the goal since the start of the year, to at least be up there with a shot at it with one tournament to go. Ticking the box in that department this week."

Smith, a six-time winner on the US PGA Tour before jumping last year to the Saudi-backed upstart series, captured his third career LIV Golf title, having taken last year's Chicago trophy and last month's London crown.

There was little suspense after Phil Mickelson's challenge faded early.

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Smith began the final round with a four-stroke lead over six-time major winner Mickelson but opened with a bogey.

After Smith and Mickelson made bogeys at the third hole, the Aussie saw his lead trimmed to two when Mickelson birdied the par-3 fourth.

Smith boosted his lead with a birdie at the sixth and Mickelson plunked two in the water at the par-3 seventh on his way to a quintuple-bogey 8 that dropped the 53-year-old US left-hander eight adrift -- leaving Smith five ahead of the field with 11 to play.

Smith reeled off three birdies in a row starting at the par-5 eighth, stretching his lead to seven strokes, and cruised from there.

Ripper GC, captained by Smith, won the team competition on 20-under, defeating Crushers and Stinger by 11 strokes.

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Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster.

Australia's Cameron Smith, last year's British Open champion, fired a three-under-par 68 on Sunday for a blowout victory at the LIV Golf League event at Trump National Bedminster. The 29-year-old from Brisbane finished 54 holes at the New Jersey layout on 12-under 201 with India's Anirban Lahiri a distant second, seven strokes adrift. "That was a good day," Smith said. "I'm looking forward to a couple weeks with the clubs down." Smith moved atop LIV's season points list with the victory. "That was the goal since the start of the year, to at least be up there with a shot at it with one tournament to go. Ticking the box in that department this week." Smith, a six-time winner on the US PGA Tour before jumping last year to the Saudi-backed upstart series, captured his third career LIV Golf title, having taken last year's Chicago trophy and last month's London crown. There was little suspense after Phil Mickelson's challenge faded early. ALSO READ | India couldn't perform in ICC tournaments due to internal issues, claims former Pakistan captain Smith began the final round with a four-stroke lead over six-time major winner Mickelson but opened with a bogey. After Smith and Mickelson made bogeys at the third hole, the Aussie saw his lead trimmed to two when Mickelson birdied the par-3 fourth. Smith boosted his lead with a birdie at the sixth and Mickelson plunked two in the water at the par-3 seventh on his way to a quintuple-bogey 8 that dropped the 53-year-old US left-hander eight adrift -- leaving Smith five ahead of the field with 11 to play. Smith reeled off three birdies in a row starting at the par-5 eighth, stretching his lead to seven strokes, and cruised from there. Ripper GC, captained by Smith, won the team competition on 20-under, defeating Crushers and Stinger by 11 strokes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Australia's Cameron Smith captures LIV-Golf Bedminster crown

There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. 
&nbsp; 
It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. 
&nbsp; 
Smith, winner last year at the Old Course in St Andrews in sensational fashion, registered his first-ever LIV Golf title in Centurion Club near London less than a fortnight ago. 
&nbsp; 
Mcllroy, who was the champion when The Open was last played last played here in 2014, won the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick in Scotland last week. 
&nbsp; 
And then there is the former world No1 Jon Rahm, who is trying to make it a Spanish double, following his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz’s thrilling Wimbledon win over Novak Djokovic on Sunday. 
&nbsp; 
You can also add the only Indian player in the field, Shubhankar Sharma, to that list. He turns 27 on Friday and will be hoping for his double celebration on Sunday. 
&nbsp; 
Last year, it was Smith’s unbelievable putting display that helped him edge Mcllroy and Cam Young on the final day. At Royal Liverpool, the title will probably be decided by who is the best off the tee and Mcllroy has an edge there. 
&nbsp; 
When he won in 2014, Mcllroy was in imperious form with his driver and brought the golf course to its knees by playing the par-5s to 12-under par for the four days, making nine birdies and two eagles en route to a 17-under par total. 
&nbsp; 
The course will play more difficult this year with the 10th hole being reduced to a par-4, but even then it will be to his advantage. With his length, the world No2 will be able to clear many of the fairway pot bunkers, some of them so deep that the only option would be to play out sideways. 
&nbsp; 
When Tiger Woods won here in 2006, he famously used the driver only once and plotted his way around the golf course like a game of chess – vying for positions rather than distance. 
&nbsp; 
A bit of the bite has been taken out of Royal Liverpool with the heavy rains over the past week. The fairways and greens are soft, which may not result in the nearly 60-70 yards of roll that was the case when the turf was bone dry. 
&nbsp; 
Smith may have dropped down from the career-high of No2 in the world ranking to No7, but that has more to do with the fact that he moved to LIV Golf, which has been denied ranking points thus far. He has shown time and again that his short-game magic is still intact, but it is the driver that has been giving him issues.

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The soft-spoken but fiercely passionate Rahm, who started the season winning three titles in the first seven weeks of the year, has cooled down considerably. He notched up a top-10 in the US Open last week and has done extremely well on links courses with his short game and imagination. 
&nbsp; 
We haven’t yet spoken of the reigning world No1. Scottie Scheffler is having a most incredible stretch, in which he has never finished outside the top 12 in 18 starts this PGA Tour season, apart from winning twice. That’s almost Tiger Woods-like dominance. The difference that links courses make would be a challenge, but the Texan showed he is warming up to them with a tied third place last week in Scotland. 
&nbsp; 
The resurgent Rickie Fowler and the consistent Viktor Hovland would be two players with the form and ability to upstage the favourites. 
&nbsp; 
Sharma, who has made the cut in his two previous Open starts, said of the championship: “It falls on my birthday week. I guess that is also one of the reasons why I like it even more. Even when I was a kid, The Open used to be a double celebration. The last time I played the Open at Royal Portrush, it was on a Sunday and a Friday in Carnoustie. This is a tournament that has always given me good vibes.” 
&nbsp; 
The tournament starts Thursday.

(Author:&nbsp;Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups)

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There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

There are many UK doubles waiting to be celebrated as the 151st Open Championship begins at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on Thursday, July 20. It starts with Australia's defending champion Cameron Smith and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. Smith, winner last year at the Old Course in St Andrews in sensational fashion, registered his first-ever LIV Golf title in Centurion Club near London less than a fortnight ago. Mcllroy, who was the champion when The Open was last played last played here in 2014, won the Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick in Scotland last week. And then there is the former world No1 Jon Rahm, who is trying to make it a Spanish double, following his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz’s thrilling Wimbledon win over Novak Djokovic on Sunday. You can also add the only Indian player in the field, Shubhankar Sharma, to that list. He turns 27 on Friday and will be hoping for his double celebration on Sunday. Last year, it was Smith’s unbelievable putting display that helped him edge Mcllroy and Cam Young on the final day. At Royal Liverpool, the title will probably be decided by who is the best off the tee and Mcllroy has an edge there. When he won in 2014, Mcllroy was in imperious form with his driver and brought the golf course to its knees by playing the par-5s to 12-under par for the four days, making nine birdies and two eagles en route to a 17-under par total. The course will play more difficult this year with the 10th hole being reduced to a par-4, but even then it will be to his advantage. With his length, the world No2 will be able to clear many of the fairway pot bunkers, some of them so deep that the only option would be to play out sideways. When Tiger Woods won here in 2006, he famously used the driver only once and plotted his way around the golf course like a game of chess – vying for positions rather than distance. A bit of the bite has been taken out of Royal Liverpool with the heavy rains over the past week. The fairways and greens are soft, which may not result in the nearly 60-70 yards of roll that was the case when the turf was bone dry. Smith may have dropped down from the career-high of No2 in the world ranking to No7, but that has more to do with the fact that he moved to LIV Golf, which has been denied ranking points thus far. He has shown time and again that his short-game magic is still intact, but it is the driver that has been giving him issues. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2023: India vs Pakistan on Sep 2 headlines final schedule; summit clash on 17th in Colombo The soft-spoken but fiercely passionate Rahm, who started the season winning three titles in the first seven weeks of the year, has cooled down considerably. He notched up a top-10 in the US Open last week and has done extremely well on links courses with his short game and imagination. We haven’t yet spoken of the reigning world No1. Scottie Scheffler is having a most incredible stretch, in which he has never finished outside the top 12 in 18 starts this PGA Tour season, apart from winning twice. That’s almost Tiger Woods-like dominance. The difference that links courses make would be a challenge, but the Texan showed he is warming up to them with a tied third place last week in Scotland. The resurgent Rickie Fowler and the consistent Viktor Hovland would be two players with the form and ability to upstage the favourites. Sharma, who has made the cut in his two previous Open starts, said of the championship: “It falls on my birthday week. I guess that is also one of the reasons why I like it even more. Even when I was a kid, The Open used to be a double celebration. The last time I played the Open at Royal Portrush, it was on a Sunday and a Friday in Carnoustie. This is a tournament that has always given me good vibes.” The tournament starts Thursday. (Author: Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: McIlroy, Smith gather at Royal Liverpool Golf Course as veterans look to stamp authority

There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake. The 29-year-old from Brisbane capped a stunning 2022 when he won the 150th Open Championship, putting together a remarkable back nine with six birdies on Sunday at St Andrews for his first career major title. Smith started the day four shots behind third-round leader Rory McIlroy and beat him by two shots. American Cam Young was the solo second, one behind Smith.

Shortly after that magical evening, Smith became the highest-ranked player in the world at the time to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Greg Norman-led Tour had a running battle against the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour before hostilities came to a sudden end last month as the Tour shook hands with Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign fund, and agreed to work together.

“I think LIV aside, I’m determined to try my best every week and just try and be a better golfer than I was last week,” said the world No 7, who won the LIV Golf title two weeks ago in England.

“I never really expect too much of myself. The thing I expect are doing everything 100 per cent, ticking all the boxes early in the week, making sure I’m prepared, and then just go out there and give it my all. That’s all I can really do.

“I think I’ve done that fantastic this year and especially last year. It was so good last year that you almost expected to win everything. I think that’s not really a good way to look at golf. Just expect to do all the things that you’re meant to do 100 per cent and then go out there and give it a crack. And if you win, you win.”

Smith sounded an ominous warning for the field, which also includes India’s Shubhankar Sharma, saying he feels he is playing even better than he did last year.

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British Open will be held from July 20-23 in Liverpool.

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-id-rather-retire-than-play-liv-golf-says-world-number-three-rory-mcilroy-615246">Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy</a>

“I think as a person, I am the same. I think my old boy would give me a clip around the ears if I was any different,” said Smith. “As a golfer, I think I’m actually better now than what I was last year. I think the stuff that I had to clean up is progressing. It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. My 5-iron and up has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and that’s an area of the game that we’ve worked probably harder than we have on in the past. I feel like it’s right there. It just has to come together.

“I think the first round I had at Centurion a couple of weeks ago was the first time where I felt like it had all come together. And then, the driver wasn’t my best friend on the weekend there. But I managed to kind of scramble out a good week. It feels really close.”

Even though a truce has been signed, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the PIF agreement, and many PGA Tour players have not taken lightly to the fact that it was done without keeping them in the loop.

There have been talks that LIV Golf might cease to exist in the future and all its players are re-inducted in the PGA Tour, but Smith said he was optimistic about the future of LIV Golf.

“Yeah, I’m absolutely optimistic. I think golf is in a great spot. There’s obviously a lot of things that are up in the air that no one really knows at the moment. I don’t think even the guys that are trying to sort it out really know what this outcome is going to be like.

“A lot of uncertainty, but I’m optimistic that LIV will be around in the future. “Like I’ve said in the past, the PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, and it will be for a very long time. But by joining LIV, I don’t think there was any part of me that made me think I made the wrong decision throughout these last eight or nine months.”

The 151st Open Championship, the last major of the golf season, starts Thursday.

(Author:&nbsp;Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups)

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There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake.

There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake. The 29-year-old from Brisbane capped a stunning 2022 when he won the 150th Open Championship, putting together a remarkable back nine with six birdies on Sunday at St Andrews for his first career major title. Smith started the day four shots behind third-round leader Rory McIlroy and beat him by two shots. American Cam Young was the solo second, one behind Smith. Shortly after that magical evening, Smith became the highest-ranked player in the world at the time to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Greg Norman-led Tour had a running battle against the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour before hostilities came to a sudden end last month as the Tour shook hands with Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign fund, and agreed to work together. “I think LIV aside, I’m determined to try my best every week and just try and be a better golfer than I was last week,” said the world No 7, who won the LIV Golf title two weeks ago in England. “I never really expect too much of myself. The thing I expect are doing everything 100 per cent, ticking all the boxes early in the week, making sure I’m prepared, and then just go out there and give it my all. That’s all I can really do. “I think I’ve done that fantastic this year and especially last year. It was so good last year that you almost expected to win everything. I think that’s not really a good way to look at golf. Just expect to do all the things that you’re meant to do 100 per cent and then go out there and give it a crack. And if you win, you win.” Smith sounded an ominous warning for the field, which also includes India’s Shubhankar Sharma, saying he feels he is playing even better than he did last year. British Open will be held from July 20-23 in Liverpool. Also read: Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy “I think as a person, I am the same. I think my old boy would give me a clip around the ears if I was any different,” said Smith. “As a golfer, I think I’m actually better now than what I was last year. I think the stuff that I had to clean up is progressing. It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. My 5-iron and up has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and that’s an area of the game that we’ve worked probably harder than we have on in the past. I feel like it’s right there. It just has to come together. “I think the first round I had at Centurion a couple of weeks ago was the first time where I felt like it had all come together. And then, the driver wasn’t my best friend on the weekend there. But I managed to kind of scramble out a good week. It feels really close.” Even though a truce has been signed, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the PIF agreement, and many PGA Tour players have not taken lightly to the fact that it was done without keeping them in the loop. There have been talks that LIV Golf might cease to exist in the future and all its players are re-inducted in the PGA Tour, but Smith said he was optimistic about the future of LIV Golf. “Yeah, I’m absolutely optimistic. I think golf is in a great spot. There’s obviously a lot of things that are up in the air that no one really knows at the moment. I don’t think even the guys that are trying to sort it out really know what this outcome is going to be like. “A lot of uncertainty, but I’m optimistic that LIV will be around in the future. “Like I’ve said in the past, the PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, and it will be for a very long time. But by joining LIV, I don’t think there was any part of me that made me think I made the wrong decision throughout these last eight or nine months.” The 151st Open Championship, the last major of the golf season, starts Thursday. (Author: Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: In-form Cameron Smith ready for title defence

Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson are among the big names as the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League opens its 2023 campaign on Friday. The series of 54-hole events offering record purses of $25 million expands to 14 stops in seven nations, starting at Mexico's Mayakoba resort. Several big names were lured to LIV Golf from the US PGA Tour, prompting a PGA ban that set up a court fight scheduled to begin in January 2024.

Top-ranked Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and Masters Champion, Scottie Scheffler were among those who stayed with the PGA as a split in the sport brought chaos, but so far LIV players remain able to play in majors if they qualify.

LIV Golf continues to fight to earn world ranking points, but with new players making the jump the 2023 season could see top talent from LIV and older tours meeting only at the four majors, adding to the tension around April's Masters showdown at Augusta National.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-liv-tour-has-created-hype-says-ace-indian-golfer-shubhankar-sharma-ahead-of-hero-indian-open-564870">Golf: 'LIV Tour has created hype', says ace Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma ahead of Hero Indian Open</a>

Johnson won last year's individual LIV Golf crown after taking a title in Boston with an eagle on the first playoff hole and led an all-American 4Aces squad to the team title. Australia's Smith, the 2022 PGA Player of the Year, won his first major title at St. Andrews but made the jump to LIV Golf after the US PGA's Tour Championship.

Smith captured the Chicago title in September in his second LIV start and in November claimed his third Australian PGA Championship triumph as LIV players remain eligible for DP World Tour events amid an ongoing court battle.

Critics brand LIV Golf as a bid by Saudi Arabia, which backs the circuit via its Public Investment Fund, to "sportswash" its human rights record.

But LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman sees the league carrying the sport to a younger audience with fast-paced shotgun starts, on-site concerts, and increased interaction between stars and fans.

"In less than a year, LIV Golf has reinvigorated the professional game and laid the foundation for the sport's future," Norman said. "Our league format has already begun to build connections with new audiences around the globe. Major champions, current and future Hall of Famers, and up-and-coming stars are all committed to creating this new platform for world-class competition as the sport evolves for the next generation."

Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson are among the big names as the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League opens its 2023 campaign on Friday.

Reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith and two-time major winner Dustin Johnson are among the big names as the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League opens its 2023 campaign on Friday. The series of 54-hole events offering record purses of $25 million expands to 14 stops in seven nations, starting at Mexico's Mayakoba resort. Several big names were lured to LIV Golf from the US PGA Tour, prompting a PGA ban that set up a court fight scheduled to begin in January 2024. Top-ranked Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, and Masters Champion, Scottie Scheffler were among those who stayed with the PGA as a split in the sport brought chaos, but so far LIV players remain able to play in majors if they qualify. LIV Golf continues to fight to earn world ranking points, but with new players making the jump the 2023 season could see top talent from LIV and older tours meeting only at the four majors, adding to the tension around April's Masters showdown at Augusta National. ALSO READ: Golf: 'LIV Tour has created hype', says ace Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma ahead of Hero Indian Open Johnson won last year's individual LIV Golf crown after taking a title in Boston with an eagle on the first playoff hole and led an all-American 4Aces squad to the team title. Australia's Smith, the 2022 PGA Player of the Year, won his first major title at St. Andrews but made the jump to LIV Golf after the US PGA's Tour Championship. Smith captured the Chicago title in September in his second LIV start and in November claimed his third Australian PGA Championship triumph as LIV players remain eligible for DP World Tour events amid an ongoing court battle. Critics brand LIV Golf as a bid by Saudi Arabia, which backs the circuit via its Public Investment Fund, to "sportswash" its human rights record. But LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman sees the league carrying the sport to a younger audience with fast-paced shotgun starts, on-site concerts, and increased interaction between stars and fans. "In less than a year, LIV Golf has reinvigorated the professional game and laid the foundation for the sport's future," Norman said. "Our league format has already begun to build connections with new audiences around the globe. Major champions, current and future Hall of Famers, and up-and-coming stars are all committed to creating this new platform for world-class competition as the sport evolves for the next generation."

Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson to feature in controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf League

British Open champion Cameron Smith, who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series last week, has been nominated for the PGA Tour's Player of the Year award along with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

The 29-year-old Australian won his first major at St Andrews in July and also claimed the Players Championship and rose to world number two, before becoming the highest-ranked player to switch to LIV Golf.

The U.S.-based PGA Tour, which has seen high-profile players like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau make the move to LIV Golf, has previously said any members who compete on the rival circuit will be suspended indefinitely.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-indias-anirban-lahiri-opens-up-on-liv-golf-move-wion-sports-511873">Exclusive: India's Anirban Lahiri opens up on Liv Golf move&nbsp;</a>

World number three McIlroy, one of LIV's most outspoken critics, is a three-time winner of the PGA Tour award and also became the first player to win the FedEx Cup three times after his thrilling victory over world number one Scheffler at the season-ending Tour Championship.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dustin-johnson-makes-eagle-putt-to-win-liv-golf-boston-event-in-playoff-513022">Dustin Johnson makes eagle putt to win LIV Golf Boston event in playoff</a>

American Scheffler won three tournaments this season before clinching his first major title at the Masters and finished runner-up at the U.S. Open.

The winner of the award will be determined by a vote of Tour members who played in at least 15 FedEx Cup events during the season. Voting will close on Friday, with the winners to be announced at a later date.

British Open champion Cameron Smith, who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series last week, has been nominated for the PGA Tour's Player of the Year award along with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

British Open champion Cameron Smith, who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series last week, has been nominated for the PGA Tour's Player of the Year award along with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. The 29-year-old Australian won his first major at St Andrews in July and also claimed the Players Championship and rose to world number two, before becoming the highest-ranked player to switch to LIV Golf. The U.S.-based PGA Tour, which has seen high-profile players like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau make the move to LIV Golf, has previously said any members who compete on the rival circuit will be suspended indefinitely. Also Read: Exclusive: India's Anirban Lahiri opens up on Liv Golf move World number three McIlroy, one of LIV's most outspoken critics, is a three-time winner of the PGA Tour award and also became the first player to win the FedEx Cup three times after his thrilling victory over world number one Scheffler at the season-ending Tour Championship. Also Read: Dustin Johnson makes eagle putt to win LIV Golf Boston event in playoff American Scheffler won three tournaments this season before clinching his first major title at the Masters and finished runner-up at the U.S. Open. The winner of the award will be determined by a vote of Tour members who played in at least 15 FedEx Cup events during the season. Voting will close on Friday, with the winners to be announced at a later date.

LIV Golf recruit Cameron Smith among nominees for PGA Tour Player of the Year award

The LIV Golf vs PGA Tour debate continues to make headlines in golf. While the Greg Norman's LIV Golf Series is being criticised by many, it has signed up some big names in recent times. Among all, world number two Cameron Smith's joining has grabbed eyeballs at a whopping price,&nbsp;with the figure estimated&nbsp;to be $100 million (£85 million) as per&nbsp;journalist Daniel Rapaport.

A section has openly come hard to Smith for switching from PGA Tour to LIV Golf and, thus, the 29-year-old Aussie finally opened up on his recent move. While the British Open winner has the first to admit that money was a factor as well in his switch, he feels 'this is the future of golf'.&nbsp;

Speaking ahead of his debut in the LIV Golf Invitational Series in Boston this week, Smith spilled the beans on his decision to become a part of the Saudi-backed venture. He said, "You know, I'm just really excited to be here. This is a new kind of chapter in my life. I think this is the future of golf. I love how it is out here. It's a little bit more laid back on the range, the music playing. I love that stuff. I play music at home and yeah, I just can't wait to be a part of this.”

Further, he mentioned the pros of LIV Golf series and pointed out,&nbsp;"I think it needs to change. Particularly as our golf fans become younger, I think we need to do something to make it exciting for them. I think it's the right move for sure."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-liv-golf-has-definitely-been-a-catalyst-for-the-games-growth-says-anirban-lahiri-511660">EXCLUSIVE | LIV Golf has definitely been a catalyst for the game's growth, says Anirban Lahiri</a>

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"I've had a few phone calls with players. I sat down with Jay. We had a good conversation. It has been a little bit different. But this for me was the right decision. You know, I think this is the future of golf. I think it's been the same for a very, very long time, and it needs to be stirred up a little bit," Smith asserted further.

Like many other players, Smith also stressed that being closer to his family after joining LIV Golf Series is a huge asset. He added, "For me the biggest attraction was spending more time at home. Getting that part of my life back. It's something that I've really missed. I think obviously the pandemic that we've had over the last couple years didn't really help out, but you know, for me to be able to go home, see my family, and play golf there more often, that was a really big up for me."

The latest list of joinees on Liv Tour&nbsp;includes the likes of Chile's Joaquin Niemann, India's Anirban Lahiri,&nbsp;American duo Harold Varner and Cameron Tringale along with superstar Smith.

The LIV Golf vs PGA Tour debate continues to make headlines in golf. While the Greg Norman's LIV Golf Series is being criticised by many, it has signed up some big names in recent times.

The LIV Golf vs PGA Tour debate continues to make headlines in golf. While the Greg Norman's LIV Golf Series is being criticised by many, it has signed up some big names in recent times. Among all, world number two Cameron Smith's joining has grabbed eyeballs at a whopping price, with the figure estimated to be $100 million (£85 million) as per journalist Daniel Rapaport. A section has openly come hard to Smith for switching from PGA Tour to LIV Golf and, thus, the 29-year-old Aussie finally opened up on his recent move. While the British Open winner has the first to admit that money was a factor as well in his switch, he feels 'this is the future of golf'. Speaking ahead of his debut in the LIV Golf Invitational Series in Boston this week, Smith spilled the beans on his decision to become a part of the Saudi-backed venture. He said, "You know, I'm just really excited to be here. This is a new kind of chapter in my life. I think this is the future of golf. I love how it is out here. It's a little bit more laid back on the range, the music playing. I love that stuff. I play music at home and yeah, I just can't wait to be a part of this.” Further, he mentioned the pros of LIV Golf series and pointed out, "I think it needs to change. Particularly as our golf fans become younger, I think we need to do something to make it exciting for them. I think it's the right move for sure." ALSO READ | EXCLUSIVE | LIV Golf has definitely been a catalyst for the game's growth, says Anirban Lahiri × "I've had a few phone calls with players. I sat down with Jay. We had a good conversation. It has been a little bit different. But this for me was the right decision. You know, I think this is the future of golf. I think it's been the same for a very, very long time, and it needs to be stirred up a little bit," Smith asserted further. Like many other players, Smith also stressed that being closer to his family after joining LIV Golf Series is a huge asset. He added, "For me the biggest attraction was spending more time at home. Getting that part of my life back. It's something that I've really missed. I think obviously the pandemic that we've had over the last couple years didn't really help out, but you know, for me to be able to go home, see my family, and play golf there more often, that was a really big up for me." The latest list of joinees on Liv Tour includes the likes of Chile's Joaquin Niemann, India's Anirban Lahiri, American duo Harold Varner and Cameron Tringale along with superstar Smith.

'I think this is the future of golf' - Cameron Smith on his decision to sign-up for LIV Golf

On Tuesday (August 30), Anirban Lahiri became the first-ever Indian golfer to become a part of the LIV Golf Tour. The Saudi-backed LIV Series has grabbed a lot of eyeballs and faced the heat from plenty in the recent past, including veteran golfer Tiger Woods.&nbsp;

However, Lahiri joined a plethora of big names to be a part of LIV Golf, including British Open winner Cameron Smith. He has now become the&nbsp;first Asian to sign up with Liv Golf. The latest list of joinees on Liv Tour&nbsp;includes The Open champion&nbsp;Smith (Australia),&nbsp;Chile's Joaquin Niemann and American duo Harold Varner and Cameron Tringale. Hence, Lahiri's joining can be seen as an opportunity to target the ever-growing Asian golf market. While the financial details of the veteran Indian golfer are not known yet, the 35-year-old spoke to WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo and dwelled on the much-debated LIV Golf vs PGA Tour, his reason for making the switch and more.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EXCLUSIVE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EXCLUSIVE</a> | Indian ace Anirban Lahiri was unveiled as a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LIVGolf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LIVGolf</a> player on Tuesday, and the 35-year-old will play the Boston invitational later this week. <a href="https://twitter.com/anirbangolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anirbangolf</a> spoke to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/DiggySinghDeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiggySinghDeo</a> and explained why he felt the time was right to leave the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PGATour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PGATour</a> <a href="https://t.co/O28AlyERbv">pic.twitter.com/O28AlyERbv</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1564853646483156992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Excerpts:

Q. The breakaway LIV Golf series continues to defy its detractors. Six new players including World number two Cameron Smith have joined the LIV series. Anirban when did you decide to move on from PGA Tour?

I don't think it is the right way to put it, Diggy (smiles). It was about exploring another option. It was also exploring an alternative way. To answer your question, it was after the first event happened in London. Some of my friends were playing and I spoke to them. They said that while it has received a lot of scrutiny, it isn't what everybody is saying it is. That's when I started considering it and then it evolved from there.

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Q. What is it about LIV Golf that makes it worthwhile for you to join?

I think that is a good question. Everybody has joined for personal reasons. For me, I have been in the US, fully committed to the PGA Tour. It has been seven years. A lot of things have transpired in those seven years. I have tried to work on my form, fix my issues and keep my game in good shape. At times, when you come back from a tournament schedule, I have found it difficult to blow off steam. But it hasn't felt like it at times. I have become a father twice so it gets difficult. It especially gets difficult when you don't have a family, friends, or a support system that you would like to have, not just personally but for your kids. I've asked myself 'Why am I doing this?'. So, it also comes at a cost. It was always about coming back home, closer to India, give back to the game and contributing to my family.

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When LIV came along, I was like 'wow, here is an opportunity for me to actually make that all a reality'. With this schedule, I can still play 8-9 times or how many times they are going to play in the US. The scheduling will be done to maximise the travel. I will be playing in Asia, with young Indian professionals. I will be able to see my coach and have my family and friends. In a nutshell, the positives were outweighing the individual pursuit of my own goals.

<blockquote>
Speaking to Golf Digest, Smith had pointed out that the&nbsp;money was a “factor” but not the “biggest reason” why he decided on jumping from PGA Tour to LIV.

“It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore,” Smith said.

“The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing. I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well. I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.”
</blockquote>

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anriban-lahiri-becomes-first-indian-to-sign-up-with-rebel-liv-golf-tour-511561">Anirban Lahiri becomes first Indian to sign up with rebel Liv Golf Tour</a>

Q. You would've obviously weighed up the options. There are going to be new elevated tournaments. More money. Also, with your FedEx Cup rankings just outside the top 70, you would've got&nbsp;an opportunity to play all those events as a guaranteed starter, compared to the PGA Tour.

I think the changes brought forward are fantastic. This season is probably the best time to be a professional golfer because the opportunities are immense. If not because of LIV Golf, it has definitely been a catalyst. To answer your question, there are opportunities. I will be honest, if I was really happy with my life in the US and&nbsp;not come back, I could. The US government would run to give me a green card, being an athlete. I came to America because it was the best decision for my job.

If I was really happy, I wouldn't have left. Because you said very rightly that the financial aspects are there in the PGA Tour as well. But if you look at the opportunities in LIV Golf, I have plenty.

On Tuesday (August 30), Anirban Lahiri became the first-ever Indian golfer to become a part of the LIV Golf Tour. The Saudi-backed LIV Series has grabbed a lot of eyeballs and faced the heat from plenty in the recent past, including veteran golfer Tiger Woods.

On Tuesday (August 30), Anirban Lahiri became the first-ever Indian golfer to become a part of the LIV Golf Tour. The Saudi-backed LIV Series has grabbed a lot of eyeballs and faced the heat from plenty in the recent past, including veteran golfer Tiger Woods. However, Lahiri joined a plethora of big names to be a part of LIV Golf, including British Open winner Cameron Smith. He has now become the first Asian to sign up with Liv Golf. The latest list of joinees on Liv Tour includes The Open champion Smith (Australia), Chile's Joaquin Niemann and American duo Harold Varner and Cameron Tringale. Hence, Lahiri's joining can be seen as an opportunity to target the ever-growing Asian golf market. While the financial details of the veteran Indian golfer are not known yet, the 35-year-old spoke to WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo and dwelled on the much-debated LIV Golf vs PGA Tour, his reason for making the switch and more. #EXCLUSIVE | Indian ace Anirban Lahiri was unveiled as a #LIVGolf player on Tuesday, and the 35-year-old will play the Boston invitational later this week. @anirbangolf spoke to WION's @DiggySinghDeo and explained why he felt the time was right to leave the #PGATour pic.twitter.com/O28AlyERbv — WION (@WIONews) August 31, 2022 × Excerpts: Q. The breakaway LIV Golf series continues to defy its detractors. Six new players including World number two Cameron Smith have joined the LIV series. Anirban when did you decide to move on from PGA Tour? I don't think it is the right way to put it, Diggy (smiles). It was about exploring another option. It was also exploring an alternative way. To answer your question, it was after the first event happened in London. Some of my friends were playing and I spoke to them. They said that while it has received a lot of scrutiny, it isn't what everybody is saying it is. That's when I started considering it and then it evolved from there. × Q. What is it about LIV Golf that makes it worthwhile for you to join? I think that is a good question. Everybody has joined for personal reasons. For me, I have been in the US, fully committed to the PGA Tour. It has been seven years. A lot of things have transpired in those seven years. I have tried to work on my form, fix my issues and keep my game in good shape. At times, when you come back from a tournament schedule, I have found it difficult to blow off steam. But it hasn't felt like it at times. I have become a father twice so it gets difficult. It especially gets difficult when you don't have a family, friends, or a support system that you would like to have, not just personally but for your kids. I've asked myself 'Why am I doing this?'. So, it also comes at a cost. It was always about coming back home, closer to India, give back to the game and contributing to my family. Welcome to LIV @anirbangolf 👋#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/Z7viqmMp30 — LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv) August 30, 2022 × When LIV came along, I was like 'wow, here is an opportunity for me to actually make that all a reality'. With this schedule, I can still play 8-9 times or how many times they are going to play in the US. The scheduling will be done to maximise the travel. I will be playing in Asia, with young Indian professionals. I will be able to see my coach and have my family and friends. In a nutshell, the positives were outweighing the individual pursuit of my own goals. Speaking to Golf Digest, Smith had pointed out that the money was a “factor” but not the “biggest reason” why he decided on jumping from PGA Tour to LIV. “It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore,” Smith said. “The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing. I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well. I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.” ALSO READ | Anirban Lahiri becomes first Indian to sign up with rebel Liv Golf Tour Q. You would've obviously weighed up the options. There are going to be new elevated tournaments. More money. Also, with your FedEx Cup rankings just outside the top 70, you would've got an opportunity to play all those events as a guaranteed starter, compared to the PGA Tour. I think the changes brought forward are fantastic. This season is probably the best time to be a professional golfer because the opportunities are immense. If not because of LIV Golf, it has definitely been a catalyst. To answer your question, there are opportunities. I will be honest, if I was really happy with my life in the US and not come back, I could. The US government would run to give me a green card, being an athlete. I came to America because it was the best decision for my job. If I was really happy, I wouldn't have left. Because you said very rightly that the financial aspects are there in the PGA Tour as well. But if you look at the opportunities in LIV Golf, I have plenty.

EXCLUSIVE | LIV Golf has definitely been a catalyst for the game's growth, says Anirban Lahiri

The Saudi-backed LIV Golf series has pulled of its biggest coup. World no. 2 Cameron Smith has become the highest ranked player to sign up for the rebel circuit.

World No. 2 Cameron Smith becomes highest-ranked player to join LIV Golf series

Greg Norman's LIV Golf continues to make heads turn.&nbsp;So far, Norman has roped in a plethora of high-profile players from the United States' PGA Tour such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. However, he was yet to include a player from the world's top 10. There had been speculations of World number two Cameron Smith becoming a part of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. Now, the&nbsp;LIV Golf circuit has achieved its biggest deal by signing Smith and&nbsp;Australia's&nbsp;Marc Leishman.

Sources have told&nbsp;The Age&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Herald&nbsp;that an official announcement regarding the signing of Smith and Leishman is set to take place soon. Thus, the duo&nbsp;will join two-time Australian Open champion Matt Jones in defecting to LIV Golf, which has sent employees to Australia in recent weeks to look at potential venues for a tournament Down Under in the next calendar year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liv-golf-joins-anti-trust-lawsuit-against-pga-tour-alleges-torturous-interference-510862">LIV Golf joins anti-trust lawsuit against PGA Tour, alleges 'torturous interference'</a>

Talking about The Open champion Smith, the 29-year-old&nbsp;will be announced as the highest-ranked player to join the controversial LIV Golf. Ahead of the British Open winner Smith's signing, FedEx Cup champion and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy had opined on the LIV Golf and made a strong claim.&nbsp;

As per a report in Fox Sports, the 33-year-old had slammed LIV Golf and stated, “If you believe in something I think you have to speak up, and I believe very strongly about this. I really do.&nbsp;I hate what it’s doing to the game of golf. I hate it. I really do. Like it’s going to be hard for me to stomach going to Wentworth in a couple of weeks’ time and seeing 18 of them there. That just doesn’t sit right with me." He added, "I believe what I‘m saying are the right things, and I think when you believe that what you’re saying is the right things, you’re happy to stick your neck out on the line."

On the other hand, Tiger Woods also reportedly rejected LIV's offer to feature in the event and said at The Open Championship last month, "I know what the PGA Tour stands for and what we have done and what the Tour has given us, the ability to chase after our careers and to earn what we get and the trophies we have been able to play for and the history that has been a part of this game. I know Greg tried to do this back in the early ’90s. It didn’t work then, and he’s trying to make it work now. I still don’t see how that’s in the best interests of the game."

Despite the heavy criticism against Norman's LIV Golf, it is continuing to attract some big players from PGA Tour's roster. Smith's signing is surely a big step in the right direction for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.&nbsp;

Greg Norman's LIV Golf continues to make heads turn. So far, Norman has roped in a plethora of high-profile players from the United States' PGA Tour such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

Greg Norman's LIV Golf continues to make heads turn. So far, Norman has roped in a plethora of high-profile players from the United States' PGA Tour such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. However, he was yet to include a player from the world's top 10. There had been speculations of World number two Cameron Smith becoming a part of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. Now, the LIV Golf circuit has achieved its biggest deal by signing Smith and Australia's Marc Leishman. Sources have told The Age and the Herald that an official announcement regarding the signing of Smith and Leishman is set to take place soon. Thus, the duo will join two-time Australian Open champion Matt Jones in defecting to LIV Golf, which has sent employees to Australia in recent weeks to look at potential venues for a tournament Down Under in the next calendar year. ALSO READ | LIV Golf joins anti-trust lawsuit against PGA Tour, alleges 'torturous interference' Talking about The Open champion Smith, the 29-year-old will be announced as the highest-ranked player to join the controversial LIV Golf. Ahead of the British Open winner Smith's signing, FedEx Cup champion and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy had opined on the LIV Golf and made a strong claim. As per a report in Fox Sports, the 33-year-old had slammed LIV Golf and stated, “If you believe in something I think you have to speak up, and I believe very strongly about this. I really do. I hate what it’s doing to the game of golf. I hate it. I really do. Like it’s going to be hard for me to stomach going to Wentworth in a couple of weeks’ time and seeing 18 of them there. That just doesn’t sit right with me." He added, "I believe what I‘m saying are the right things, and I think when you believe that what you’re saying is the right things, you’re happy to stick your neck out on the line." On the other hand, Tiger Woods also reportedly rejected LIV's offer to feature in the event and said at The Open Championship last month, "I know what the PGA Tour stands for and what we have done and what the Tour has given us, the ability to chase after our careers and to earn what we get and the trophies we have been able to play for and the history that has been a part of this game. I know Greg tried to do this back in the early ’90s. It didn’t work then, and he’s trying to make it work now. I still don’t see how that’s in the best interests of the game." Despite the heavy criticism against Norman's LIV Golf, it is continuing to attract some big players from PGA Tour's roster. Smith's signing is surely a big step in the right direction for the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.

World No. 2 Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman join Greg Norman’s LIV Golf

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th&nbsp;British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total.

Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par fourth round allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with a frustrated McIlroy ending another stroke back in third after a 70.

The world number six would have known something special was needed on Sunday for him to win the Claret Jug and he duly delivered with eight birdies -- including five in a row from the 10th -- and not a single dropped shot.

McIlroy had been the favourite coming into the week and was two shots clear and in control at the turn in his final round, but then just in front Smith set off on his birdie surge and the pendulum swung definitively his way.

At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three decades to win the&nbsp;British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;since Greg Norman claimed his second Claret Jug at Royal St George's in 1993.

The Brisbane native with the trademark mullet is also the third Australian to win the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at the home of golf, after Peter Thomson in 1955 and Kel Nagle, who won the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in 1960.

"To win an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Championship in itself is going to be a golfer's highlight but to do it around St Andrews is unbelievable," he said.

"This place is so cool. I love the golf course and the town."

Smith's 20-under-par total of 268 is the lowest winning score in an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at St Andrews, bettering the performance of Tiger Woods, who won on 19-under in 2000.

In stark contrast to Smith, McIlroy was left to rue a series of missed birdie putts, while Viktor Hovland -- who had shared the overnight lead on 16-under -- faded badly to shoot a 74.

That left the door&nbsp;open&nbsp;for one of the chasing pack and Smith took full advantage thanks to his incredible performance on the back nine.

As well as the birdies he showed nerves of steel to save par at the 17th, the legendary Road Hole.

Yet he needed his final birdie on 18 as his playing partner Young produced an eagle to finish with a 65 and end on 19-under.

A play-off was avoided and Smith could celebrate his first major after he finished tied third at this year's Masters, a tournament in which he also came second in 2020.

Before this week his biggest win had come at the Players Championship in March.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pv-sindhu-defeats-chinas-wang-zhi-yi-in-thrilling-final-to-clinch-singapore-open-2022-title-498131">PV Sindhu defeats China's Wang Zhi Yi in thrilling final to clinch Singapore Open 2022 title</a>

<h2>- McIlroy rues missed putts -</h2>

If Young, the 25-year-old New Yorker who had been the leader after the first round, can be satisfied with his showing this week, the same ultimately cannot be said for McIlroy.

"Just disappointment I guess. I had a great opportunity today to add to that major tally and I didn't quite get it done," McIlroy, who is still stuck on four major titles, told NBC.

"I didn't feel like I did many things wrong, but the putter went cold on me throughout the round."

Now 33, few would have thought when he won the 2014&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at Hoylake and followed it with victory in the PGA Championship a few weeks later that he would then embark on a major drought which will extend into a ninth year.

"I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Championship at St Andrews is one hell of a showing, so hats off to Cam, he's had an unbelievable week," McIlroy added.

England's Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fourth on 14 under par alongside Hovland, who had been hoping to become the first Norwegian winner of a men's major.

Brian Harman of the United States came tied sixth on 13-under with Dustin Johnson, who was the highest finisher among the 24 players from the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV series in St Andrews this week.

The chief executive of the LIV series is Norman, the 67-year-old who was not invited to St Andrews by organisers the R&amp;A as a result but who will surely be proud of his compatriot's performance.

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total.

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total. Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par fourth round allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with a frustrated McIlroy ending another stroke back in third after a 70. The world number six would have known something special was needed on Sunday for him to win the Claret Jug and he duly delivered with eight birdies -- including five in a row from the 10th -- and not a single dropped shot. McIlroy had been the favourite coming into the week and was two shots clear and in control at the turn in his final round, but then just in front Smith set off on his birdie surge and the pendulum swung definitively his way. At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three decades to win the British Open since Greg Norman claimed his second Claret Jug at Royal St George's in 1993. The Brisbane native with the trademark mullet is also the third Australian to win the Open at the home of golf, after Peter Thomson in 1955 and Kel Nagle, who won the Open in 1960. "To win an Open Championship in itself is going to be a golfer's highlight but to do it around St Andrews is unbelievable," he said. "This place is so cool. I love the golf course and the town." Smith's 20-under-par total of 268 is the lowest winning score in an Open at St Andrews, bettering the performance of Tiger Woods, who won on 19-under in 2000. In stark contrast to Smith, McIlroy was left to rue a series of missed birdie putts, while Viktor Hovland -- who had shared the overnight lead on 16-under -- faded badly to shoot a 74. That left the door open for one of the chasing pack and Smith took full advantage thanks to his incredible performance on the back nine. As well as the birdies he showed nerves of steel to save par at the 17th, the legendary Road Hole. Yet he needed his final birdie on 18 as his playing partner Young produced an eagle to finish with a 65 and end on 19-under. A play-off was avoided and Smith could celebrate his first major after he finished tied third at this year's Masters, a tournament in which he also came second in 2020. Before this week his biggest win had come at the Players Championship in March. ALSO READ | PV Sindhu defeats China's Wang Zhi Yi in thrilling final to clinch Singapore Open 2022 title - McIlroy rues missed putts - If Young, the 25-year-old New Yorker who had been the leader after the first round, can be satisfied with his showing this week, the same ultimately cannot be said for McIlroy. "Just disappointment I guess. I had a great opportunity today to add to that major tally and I didn't quite get it done," McIlroy, who is still stuck on four major titles, told NBC. "I didn't feel like I did many things wrong, but the putter went cold on me throughout the round." Now 33, few would have thought when he won the 2014 Open at Hoylake and followed it with victory in the PGA Championship a few weeks later that he would then embark on a major drought which will extend into a ninth year. "I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an Open Championship at St Andrews is one hell of a showing, so hats off to Cam, he's had an unbelievable week," McIlroy added. England's Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fourth on 14 under par alongside Hovland, who had been hoping to become the first Norwegian winner of a men's major. Brian Harman of the United States came tied sixth on 13-under with Dustin Johnson, who was the highest finisher among the 24 players from the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV series in St Andrews this week. The chief executive of the LIV series is Norman, the 67-year-old who was not invited to St Andrews by organisers the R&A as a result but who will surely be proud of his compatriot's performance.

Cameron Smith sees off favourite Rory McIlroy to clinch British Open title

American golfer<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-moves-clear-as-woods-surges-in-bahamas-266577"> Patrick Reed </a>has denied cheating in a tournament last week and hit out at International team players for saying he had, as a little edge entered proceedings on Tuesday ahead of the Presidents Cup.

Reed received a two-stroke penalty for improving his lie when he moved sand with his practice swing on Friday at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hero-world-challenge-patrick-reed-takes-sole-lead-in-round-2-266723">Hero World Challenge </a>in the Bahamas. The incident has dominated the run-up to the biennial contest, which begins on Thursday.

Cameron Smith was quoted in Australian media as saying Reed had been "cheating the rules" and some of his International teammates said the American had exposed himself to some flak from the crowd through his actions.

Former Masters champion Reed fired back at a news conference on Tuesday, saying "cheat" was inaccurate because he had not seen the sand move and the officials concurred that he inadvertently improved his lie.

"It's not the right word to use," he said. "If you do something unintentionally that breaks the rules, it's not considered cheating...

"If you're intentionally trying to do something, that would be considered cheating, but I wasn't intentionally trying to improve a lie or anything like that...

"It's just wrong, it's just not right."

United States captain Tiger Woods on Monday said he had spoken to Reed about the incident and was keen to draw a line under it as he looked to extend the Americans' seven-match winning streak at the Presidents Cup.

The 15-times major champion sank the winning putt the time the contest was last held at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-wont-dial-down-the-passion-at-presidents-cup-261792">Royal Melbourne</a> in 2011 when the Australian crowd was criticised by some Internationals for being over-awed by the Americans.

Reed suspected the row was being used by the Internationals to ensure that it did not happen again.

"Of course they are going to speak out because they want to get their crowds going and get on their side. That's the name of the game," he said.

Reed said he hoped any banter with the crowd remained respectful and that the row over his violation had made him more determined to win.

"It goes from wanting to beat those guys to it now turning personal, so it's going to be a fun week," he said.

American golfer Patrick Reed has denied cheating in a tournament last week and hit out at International team players for saying he had, as a little edge entered proceedings on Tuesday ahead of the Presidents Cup.

American golfer Patrick Reed has denied cheating in a tournament last week and hit out at International team players for saying he had, as a little edge entered proceedings on Tuesday ahead of the Presidents Cup. Reed received a two-stroke penalty for improving his lie when he moved sand with his practice swing on Friday at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. The incident has dominated the run-up to the biennial contest, which begins on Thursday. Cameron Smith was quoted in Australian media as saying Reed had been "cheating the rules" and some of his International teammates said the American had exposed himself to some flak from the crowd through his actions. Former Masters champion Reed fired back at a news conference on Tuesday, saying "cheat" was inaccurate because he had not seen the sand move and the officials concurred that he inadvertently improved his lie. "It's not the right word to use," he said. "If you do something unintentionally that breaks the rules, it's not considered cheating... "If you're intentionally trying to do something, that would be considered cheating, but I wasn't intentionally trying to improve a lie or anything like that... "It's just wrong, it's just not right." United States captain Tiger Woods on Monday said he had spoken to Reed about the incident and was keen to draw a line under it as he looked to extend the Americans' seven-match winning streak at the Presidents Cup. The 15-times major champion sank the winning putt the time the contest was last held at Royal Melbourne in 2011 when the Australian crowd was criticised by some Internationals for being over-awed by the Americans. Reed suspected the row was being used by the Internationals to ensure that it did not happen again. "Of course they are going to speak out because they want to get their crowds going and get on their side. That's the name of the game," he said. Reed said he hoped any banter with the crowd remained respectful and that the row over his violation had made him more determined to win. "It goes from wanting to beat those guys to it now turning personal, so it's going to be a fun week," he said.

Golf: I did not cheat, says Reed, as Presidents Cup gets personal

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