Cameron Smith given ‘every assurance’ LIV Golf will continue amid funding uncertainty

Cam Smith has laughed off retirement rumours, and said he has been given “every assurance” LIV Golf will continue beyond this year.

The future of LIV – and Smith’s all-Australian Ripper GC team – is in jeopardy after Saudi Arabia withdrew funding of the breakaway league.

“Since joining LIV, I have learnt to deal with speculation and reports, so it hasn’t really changed,” Smith said.

Asked what assurances he had been given about LIV’s future after this year, Smith replied: “Every assurance. Absolutely. That’s the goal, 100%.'’

Pressed on who had offered assurance, Smith said: “I promise you will hear it first from someone else, rather than me.”

He was reluctant to expand on LIV’s future during a teleconference with Australian media from Virginia in the US, where LIV’s next tournament starts on Thursday.

“It’s just so fresh, so there’s nothing really to say,” Smith said. “I know the team are working hard behind the scenes and they’re doing everything they can for us.

“So I am excited, I know [LIV Golf chief executive] Scott O’Neil is really excited for the progress and challenge in the coming months.”

Asked about rumours he could retire, Smith laughed before replying: “I’m 32, so I have got a while yet. Gee, I haven’t been asked that question before. That’s good.”

Smith has won more than $US50m in LIV prize money after signing for a fee understood to be about $US100m.

The Queenslander, a prized early recruit, was appointed captain of the all-Australian Ripper GC that also features Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert and Elvis Smylie.

The captaincy arrangement came with a 25% equity stake in the team, with the league holding the remainder.

LIV has aimed for a $US300m valuation of the 13 teams as it seeks potential private investors.

Ripper GC boss Nick Adams said this week team values could hit $US1bn – if sold at that price, Smith is in line for another bumper pay day of $US250m.

But Smith acknowledged his on-course struggles ahead of next week’s major, the US PGA Championship in Pennsylvania.

Smith, the 2022 Open champ, last year was the sole golfer to miss the halfway cut in all four majors.

He also failed to make the weekend action at last month’s Masters.

“Early in my career, I hung my hat on how I performed in the majors,” Smith said. “And it’s just not good enough. I am making a few changes and trying to get back to where I was and better.

“I can promise you, the fire is in the belly, it’s just a matter of time. I don’t think time is running out on my major career by any means.”