Cameron Smith was lauded on Monday as a real champion in Australia, however his Open Championship win was marred by considerations that he might be about to bounce ship to Greg Norman’s insurgent LIV Golf Invitational Series tour.
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The 28-year-old produced a surprising final spherical 64 to elevate the Claret Jug on Sunday, holding off enjoying accomplice Cameron Young and third-placed Rory McIlroy.
The Sydney Morning Herald known as it “a staggering performance”, whereas The Australian broadsheet stated he was “the best putter in the sport”.
“The champion golfer of the year. Our champion. Congratulations Cameron Smith,” stated the PGA of Australia.
But the plaudits had been short-lived as hypothesis mounted within the Australian media that Smith may defect from the normal PGA Tour and DP World excursions to the Saudi-backed LIV.
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It stemmed from him failing to quash speak in his post-win press convention that he might be the subsequent huge identify tempted to take the large signing-on charges being provided.
“I don’t know, mate,” Cameron Smith stated when requested.
“My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”
News Corp newspapers in Australia reported that quite a lot of high-profile Australians had been poised to transfer to LIV now that the final main of 2022 was over.
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“Let’s get down to brass tacks. Cameron Smith is likely to abandon traditional golf,” The Australian stated.
“The consensus is that he’ll join the rebel LIV brigade while his fingerprints are still fresh on the Claret Jug.”
Cameron Smith the fifth Australian to win the Open Championship
By profitable the Open, Smith grew to become solely the fifth Australian to declare the title alongside Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Ian Baker-Finch and Norman.
Norman led the applause for his countryman, tweeting: “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! A spectacular ultimate spherical mate.
“A triumph for you and for Australia as the first Australian to win in 29 years. You’re in good company. Enjoy every moment of your @TheOpen victory.”
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi!
A spectacular ultimate spherical mate. A triumph for you and for Australia as the primary Australian to win in 29 years. You’re in good firm
Enjoy each second of your @TheOpen victory @CameronSmithPGA. #TheOpen #thatwinningfeeling pic.twitter.com/GIdvhLpPVa
— Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) July 17, 2022
Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter FitzSimons stated Cameron Smith’s triumph can be “stained” if he opted to switch to the LIV tour.
“Hopefully, if Smith has indeed talked to Norman about joining the tour, he will come to his senses, run screaming from the room and burn the clothes he was in at the time,” he stated.
“He will remain the new Australian sporting hero, bar none, an everyman Australian bloke, who just happens to be one of the best and most thrilling golfers in the world, who nevertheless recognises that there are more important things than making money.”
By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
