Cameron Smith Reveals What Scared Him The Most About LIV Golf Move
Open champion Cameron Smith says that he feared the shotgun start at LIV Golf events before he joined from the PGA Tour


Cameron Smith admits he had his fears about his huge move to LIV Golf, especially the shotgun start format, but feels he ultimately made the right decision to join the Saudi-backed outfit.
The Australian was a marquee signing for Greg Norman coming just after he pipped Rory McIlroy to win the Open Championship at St Andrews.
Smith, who reportedly banked well over $100 million from the Saudis to join LIV Golf, admitted that he felt some nerves about moving across, with the shotgun start a particular worry about how it would work.
However, although he revealed that it was a bit hectic getting all the players out on the course at the same time, he feels LIV Golf is certainly heading in the right direction.
“Probably one of the biggest things I was scared about was the shotgun start,” he told the Straight Down The Middle'ish podcast.
“It worked so good. We were off at the same time every day, everyone's playing in the same conditions [and] sure it's a bit of a s*** show before the round getting guys out to their tees and stuff but it's only 10 minutes."
And with the worry about leaving the PGA Tour over, he says the signs are looking good for the upcoming LIV Golf League with events already running smoother towards the end of last season.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
“It was definitely a big decision, but I feel as though I definitely made the right decision,” he added.
“I've played five or six events out there and [and] the way I've seen it progress over that short period of time, it's going in the right direction. The fans love it. I think there's a lot more for people to do out there. It's a fun time. The way I would describe it is that it's more like going to a sporting event than a golf tournament."
The 29-year-old has also voiced his upset at missing the chance to become world number one as a consequence of him leaving the PGA Tour.
"I've tried to take it not that badly, to be honest," he said. "I think when you rock up to a tournament, you know who you have to beat, whether there's a world ranking or not.
"There's generally seven or eight guys that are in that field that you know are going to put up a pretty good fight. For sure, it hurts. I feel as though I was really close to getting to No.1, and that was definitely something I wanted to tick off."

Paul Higham is a sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in covering most major sporting events for both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. He is currently freelance and covers the golf majors on the BBC Sport website. Highlights over the years include covering that epic Monday finish in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and watching Rory McIlroy produce one of the most dominant Major wins at the 2011 US Open at Congressional. He also writes betting previews and still feels strangely proud of backing Danny Willett when he won the Masters in 2016 - Willett also praised his putting stroke during a media event before the Open at Hoylake. Favourite interviews he's conducted have been with McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Rickie Fowler and the enigma that is Victor Dubuisson. A big fan of watching any golf from any tour, sadly he spends more time writing about golf than playing these days with two young children, and as a big fair weather golfer claims playing in shorts is worth at least five shots. Being from Liverpool he loves the likes of Hoylake, Birkdale and the stretch of tracks along England's Golf Coast, but would say his favourite courses played are Kingsbarns and Portrush.
-
Who Is Kevin Velo's Caddie?
Bart Barnes has caddied for Kevin Velo as he has built his professional career - here's what we know about him
By Mike Hall
-
Richard Bland Makes Albatross At LIV Golf Mexico City
The Cleeks GC player found the hole with just his second shot at the par-5 16th during the second round of the tournament
By Mike Hall
-
Tiger Woods Heads 8 Golfers To Make All Time Rich List Of Top 50 Highest Paid Athletes
Tiger Woods is the second highest paid athlete of all time behind only Michael Jordan in a new top 50 rich list from Sportico
By Paul Higham
-
Rory McIlroy And Shane Lowry Explain Golf Ball Tactics For Zurich Classic Foursomes
Defending Zurich Classic of New Orleans champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry explained how they go about picking which golf ball to use in foursomes
By Paul Higham
-
'I’ve Never Seen Someone Hit A Driver That Good. He Played So Freaking Good. And You Almost Feel Like, How Do I Compete With That?' - Akshay Bhatia Wowed By McIlroy's Masters Display
Akshay Bhatia lavished praise on Rory McIlroy's game at the Masters after playing the opening two rounds alongside the eventual champion at Augusta
By Paul Higham
-
‘I Spoke To Two Presidents The Day After’ – Rory McIlroy Reflects On 'Absolutely Amazing' Reaction To Masters Win
The five-time Major winner revealed he had spoken to two presidents in the aftermath of completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters
By Mike Hall
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2025
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry defend their title as players compete for a record purse in the unique team competition
By Mike Hall
-
Rory McIlroy Career Grand Slam Celebrated With Royal Mail Postmark
Rory McIlroy's Masters win, which made him the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam, was celebrated with a special postmark by the Royal Mail
By Mike Hall
-
9 Things Rory McIlroy Still Has Left To Achieve In His Career
After becoming one of just six players ever to complete the career Grand Slam, what else could Rory McIlroy realistically achieve before retirement?
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Rory McIlroy Invited To Old Trafford By Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim After Masters Victory
Following on from his Masters victory, McIlroy has received an invitation from Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, to show off his Green Jacket at Old Trafford
By Matt Cradock