The 1991 Champion Golfer of the Year, Ian Baker-Finch, urged fellow Aussie Cameron Smith to remain loyal to the PGA Tour and stay away from LIV golf and its leader, Greg Norman, labelling them both as ‘combative’ to golf.
Baker-Finch referred to his conversation with Smith in a metaphorical sense, as a father and son like moment and urged Smith to pledge his allegiance to the PGA Tour and attempt to become an immovable object in first place of the world rankings whilst holding an array of Major titles.
”In the very last night line of our conversation I said ‘look … if I was your dad I would be telling you to take the money,'" Baker-Finch told News Corp.
Baker-Finch holds the Claret Jug after his 1991 success
“I really hoped Cam wouldn’t go because I felt he had the ability to be No. 1 in the world and create a huge name for himself like Adam Scott has done over the years and like Greg Norman did himself.
“In saying that, I totally understand it. How can you turn down $150-$200 million?... I said I would love you to stay. I think you can create a really great legacy. Win more Majors. Put your name on top of those world rankings.”
Smith responded by saying it 'felt like he was talking to his old man’ during the conversation, which lasted around 45 minutes. Ultimately, since joining LIV, Smith has said he doesn't have any regrets.
LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman and Smith pose following Smith's victory
In order to support his argument further, Baker-Finch thinks that LIV’s ongoing feud with the PGA has been created by Norman and his dislike of the American Tour and this has meant the LIV tour has gone about their business the ‘wrong way.’
“He has always had a bit of an issue with the PGA Tour and he has been given a platform to show why. It’s just a shame it’s so combative because I don’t think it needs to be that way,” Baker-Finch said.
During a successful career which saw the Australian play in 167 PGA events, making 92 cuts, Baker-Finch generated just over a total of $2 million whilst on tour and he has stated that he respects the LIV players who have openly switched for the money.
A board member of the Australian PGA, Baker-Finch will be seeing the likes of LIV players Smith and Marc Leishman returning to Australia over the summer, with the PGA of Australia stating they they will be “welcomed home” and allowed to play in both the Australian PGA Championship and Australian Open, as their Tour regulations allow for the likes of Smith and Leishman to participate in their home championships regardless of their LIV Golf involvement.
-
PGA Tour Pro Shares Heartfelt Message After Celebrating Five Years Of SobrietyThe six-time PGA Tour winner thanked his supporters on social media as he celebrated five years of being sober
-
PGA Championship Spots Up For Grabs As China Open Makes Return To DP World Tour CalendarThe DP World Tour will conclude its Asian Swing at the China Open this week, with plenty to play for including a spot at the next Major
-
First Ever LIV Team Playoff Sees Ripper GC Claim Dramatic Home Victory Over South Africans At LIV Golf AdelaideThe deep-rooted Australia v South Africa sporting rivalry continued with a thrilling set of extra holes at The Grange
-
Watch: Cameron Smith Followed Down 18 By Massive Crowd In Throwback Scenes At LIV Golf AdelaideIf anyone doubted The Australian's cult status Down Under, these pictures from LIV Golf Adelaide should clear it up...
-
Cameron Smith 'Putting Hand Up' For Fewer US-Based LIV Events And ‘More Of An International Schedule’ Moving ForwardThe Ripper GC captain and his Australian teammates think the Saudi-funded series should target more international markets
-
Fortinet Australian PGA Championship Prize Money Payout 2023Cameron Smith defends his title as the new DP World Tour season begins
-
'The Penalty For Missing A Driver Isn’t High Enough' - Scott On Distance DebateAdam Scott would like to see the size of the driver head reduced before the governing bodies look at any rollback of the golf ball
-
Genesis Scottish Open Live Stream: How To Watch The Action From North BerwickRory McIlroy leads by a shot but 16 golfers are within five strokes of the lead
-
Scottie Scheffler Says Lack Of Clarity Over PGA Tour/PIF Deal 'A Bit Worrisome'World No.1 Scheffler has spoken out over his frustrations and concerns about the proposed link up between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
-
Cameron Smith Hoping To 'Tidy Up' Driving Ahead Of Open Championship DefenceThe Aussie wants to work on his driving before the 151st Open despite winning LIV Golf London
