It seems that a ban from the PGA Tour may not be enough to keep Cameron Smith out of the Players Championship later this week.
Smith, like all the other players who defected from the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf, is prohibited from participating in tour events.
But as far as major tournaments go, Augusta National Golf Club officials announced in December that golfers who qualified for the Masters tournament based on their previous criteria will be eligible to play in April 2023. That is, several players currently competing in the LIV Golf series. You probably got an invite to the Masters.
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RIPPER GC’s Cameron Smith looks on during the LIV Golf Invitational – Mayakoba at El Camaleon at Mayakoba on February 25, 2023 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
But Smith, who lives near TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, teased that he would still be able to attend this year’s tournament.
«I would love to get out there,» Smith said via GOLF.com. «I don’t know how it would be received. But even going out, watching, walking through the crowd could be quite fun.»
If Smith does end up going to the tournament, it certainly could be seen as a slap in the face to the PGA and the golfers who decided to stay on the tour.
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Smith has some free time coming up, as LIV Golf doesn’t have another event until March 17.
But even if he shows up for The Players Championship, Smith won’t be able to defend his 2022 title. The Australian will become the first player to miss a title defense at TPC Sawgrass for a reason other than injury.
Cameron Smith of RIPPER GC plays a shot during the LIV Golf Invitational – Mayakoba at El Camaleon at Mayakoba on February 24, 2023 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
You may have to pay to park if you arrive. Last September, TPC Sawgrass decided to revoke Smith’s reserved parking spot at their clubhouse following his decision to join the controversial circuit.
Before joining LIV, Smith had come from behind at The Open Championship to defeat Rory McIlroy in 2022.
Cameron Smith of RIPPER GC plays a shot during the LIV Golf Invitational – Mayakoba at El Camaleon at Mayakoba on February 24, 2023 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. (Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
But early in his tenure with LIV, Smith has experienced a significant amount of success. His only win so far came on September 18 at an event in Chicago.
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Smith is ranked #6 in the LIV rankings after the 2023 tour opening event in Mayakoba, Mexico.