'He Definitely Wanted Me To Stay' - Smith Opens Up On McIlroy Phone Conversation
Cameron Smith revealed that, just days after his Open triumph, Rory McIlroy rang the Australian regarding the PGA Tour and LIV Golf
In an exclusive interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, LIV golfer and current Champion Golfer of the Year, Cameron Smith, stated that four-time Major winner, Rory McIlroy, wanted the Australian "to stay" with the PGA Tour.
Speaking at his home in Florida, the 29-year-old, who signed with LIV Golf for a reported $140 million, pipped McIlroy to the Claret Jug at The 150th Open Championship in July. Now, as Smith prepares for his home tournaments at the Australian PGA and Australian Open, he has spoken about a phone call with McIlroy following his Open Championship success.
"I’ve always had respect for Rory and I’ve liked what he says on the golf course," explained Smith. "He said, ‘congrats’. There were maybe a couple of little jabs in there. He was happy I played well and it was a good tournament. Then we talked about the PGA Tour and LIV.
"There was a bunch of stuff he wanted me to know before I made my decision. I wouldn’t say he tried to directly talk me out of it, but he definitely wanted me to stay."
Mere hours after claiming a first Major title, Smith was questioned about whether he was moving to the Saudi-backed series, which caused the Australian to say: "I just won the British Open, and you’re asking about that. I think that’s pretty not that good." However, a month after his win, Smith then stated he was "ready to cop some heat" in regards to his move.
Now, the 29-year-old has revealed that he "was definitely leaning one way," in regards to the jump to LIV Golf but, at the time "it wasn’t signed on paper," adding "there was still so much stuff to do, and so much to think about.
"It felt like I didn’t sleep for a few months. I was constantly thinking, ‘what will other people think?’ That was a really big factor for me. I feel like I do most things by the book and to be one to step away... was really tough for me."
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Recently, former Open champion, Ian Baker-Finch, revealed that he pleaded with his Aussie compatriot to pledge his allegiance to the PGA Tour and become a legend of the game. Along with Baker-Finch, Smith reportedly spoke to his family, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, LIV CEO Greg Norman and PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.
According to the Herald, one of the key reasons for Smith's move was what LIV would do for Australian golf, with it being revealed in the past week that The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide will feature on next year's expanded 14-tournament schedule.
"For me, the PGA Tour is a great place. It’s a great Tour that does really good things. But as you look back, Adam (Scott) has been one of the best golfers in the world for 20 years and I just think it’s really weird for them (PGA Tour) to not have an event (in Australia) just because of him,” Smith states.
"Then you have Jason (Day), Marc (Leishman), there’s a bunch of guys they could have done so much for. The Aussie crowd gets around it so much... But I just don’t think it’s that profitable for them and that’s kind of the reason behind it all."
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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