Just three weeks after officially joining LIV Golf, Cameron Smith captured his maiden title on the controversial circuit. The Australian was one of 12 major champions in the 48-player field this week at Rich Harvest Farms in Chicago where he secured a three-shot win.
While delighted with his win, Smith said a decision on whether he and other competitors in LIV Golf will receive world rankings points needs to be made soon. Greg Norman and co have applied to be recognised in the world rankings, which play a key role in deciding entry into golf's four majors.
As their file remains under review, the 29-year-old has pleaded for a resolution as soon as possible. “I suppose there's a lot on the line with the ranking points, getting into majors, stuff like that,” Smith, who earned exemption into golf's four majors for at least the next five years with his win at St. Andrews in July.
“There needs to be (a resolution) quite soon, I think. The field here is strong enough and deep enough to where it warrants that, and hopefully it's soon.” Other than a brief threat in the third and final round from Dustin Johnson, the world number three restored his lead with a birdie on the 17th before going on to win.
Peter Uihlein finished behind runner-up Johnson, who maintained his impressive record of finishing inside the top 10 at every LIV Golf event so far. The victorious Smith celebrated with girlfriend Shanel Naoum after pocketing four million dollars (£3.5 million) after just his second start in the competition.
"I think I had to prove to probably myself and some other people that I am still a great player - I am still out here to win tournaments," said the excited winner, who is the highest ranked golf star to join LIV.
"Proud of how I hung in there today. Didn't really have my best stuff in the first eight or nine holes but stuck it through and made a few good putts coming in. It was nice," The Open winner added.
Johnson meanwhile, found success in the team event as he led his 4 Aces teammates Patrick Reed, Talor Gooch and Pat Perez to victory for the fourth consecutive event.
LIV’s fifth event observed a minute’s silence across the course in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, whose image was shown on screens around the venue The state funeral for the world’s second longest serving monarch will take place at 11am today.
