The Shark is now hunting in the Land Down Under.
After Australian Cameron Smith won the British Open for his first major championship, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman went on the prowl. Norman posted exuberantly on Twitter after Smith’s come-from-behind win over Rory McIlroy on Sunday at St. Andrews.
“Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! A spectacular final round mate,” wrote Norman, who is also Australian. “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 The Open victory.”
The tweet caused a stir in the golf world, with many wondering if Smith was next on Norman’s list to offer a big payday to join the LIV Golf Invitational Series. Adding to the speculation was Smith dodging a question about whether he’d join the LIV Golf tour.
“I just won the British Open, and you’re asking about that? I think that’s pretty not that good,” Smith said shortly after winning his first Claret Jug. “I don’t know, mate. My team around me worries about all that stuff. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”
Cam Smith not exactly shooting down LIV Golf rumors earlier today… wouldn’t be concerned by this alone but there’s all kinds of buzz that he really might be making the jump pic.twitter.com/aErLwdkjvr
— Banks (@BarstoolBanks) July 18, 2022
Smith, 28, ended the tournament with an eight-under 64, including five straight birdies on the back nine.
Henrik Stenson is believed to be the most recent player to shun the PGA Tour in favor of the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf league, which has operated two events so far with a third planned for late July at Donald Trump’s course in Bedminster, New Jersey. Other well-known golfers to join LIV Golf include Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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