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Australian golf superstar Cam Smith has slammed the door shut on a potential return to the PGA Tour and declared his allegiance to LIV Golf.
In what is a major coup for the under-fire, Saudi-backed league, Smith’s decision comes 24 hours after the PGA Tour formally opened the door for his return via its controversial new “Returning Member Program”.
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“I’m gonna stay,” the Ripper GC captain told media at LIV’s 2026 season launch on Wednesday, sitting shoulder to shoulder with his Aussie teammates Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert.
“I’ve made a decision to come here and I’m standing by it. I’m really excited for 2026 and I think our team is going to have one of its best years yet. I can’t wait to see what we’re going to do on course.”
Smith’s statement comes amid mounting speculation surrounding the PGA Tour’s reinstatement initiative, which has already lured five-time major champion Brooks Koepka back to the traditional circuit and left the door ajar for a select group of other LIV stars. Smith, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are all on the PGA Tour’s hit list, thanks to a carefully-defined criteria based on major-championship performances since 2022. For Smith, who qualified for a return by virtue of his 2022 Open Championship and Players Championship victories, leaving LIV was never a temptation.
“No,” he said when asked if the offer gave him pause. “I’ve made my bed and I’m going to sleep in it. I feel I’m in a really good place in my career and family life – I don’t need to change it.”
Smith’s words are sure to ease some of the pressure on LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, a man desperate to make some key signings in the wake of Koepka’s shock departure. Smith isn’t just a marquee name – he’s the face of LIV in Australia, the captain of its most culturally significant team, and an emotional anchor for a tour still fighting to establish long-term legitimacy. His commitment couldn’t come at a more critical time.
While Smith admits he’s comfortable with his choice, it doesn’t mean recent developments haven’t stung the 32-year-old.
“Is it a shame to have (Brooks) go? Absolutely, he’s a star of the game,” Smith said. “I still think we’re going to start the season with the best field LIV’s ever had. “On one side, I’m sad to see him go. He’s a good friend and it’s not good. On the other side, I’m really looking forward to what we’re doing out here.”
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With only three members of Ripper GC fronting today’s press conference, plenty of intrigue remains around the team’s final roster spot, with Australian rising star Elvis Smylie heavily rumoured to be joining the side to replace Matt Jones. Smith, however, remained tight-lipped, if not very coy, on the matter.
“We can’t say yet, sorry,” he said. “Hopefully in the really near future would be nice.”
DeChambeau and Rahm have until February 2 – the Returning Member Program’s deadline as stipulated by PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp – to make an official call on their respective playing futures, with DeChambeau already teasing fans earlier this week with a cryptic post on social media:
The new LIV Golf season will tee off at Riyadh Golf Club, Saudi Arabia, from February 4-7.
