Masters 2023: Cameron Smith, LIV rebels arrive at Augusta

Cameron Smith and the LIV Golf rebels received an ‘unbelievable’ welcome at Augusta, but the Aussie wasn’t as happy during a media Q and A before the Masters.

World War III hasn’t broken out at Augusta National. Not yet anyway. Instead of trading blows, PGA Tour and LIV players have been exchanging handshakes.

Cameron Smith arrived on the practice range to be greeted by smiles and hugs. Bryson De Chambeau described the reception from PGA Tour players as unbelievable.

Even Fred Couples, who has been happy to send a grenade or two in the direction of LIV players including our very own Smith, extended an olive branch on the eve of the opening round.

The only thing close to an act of aggression came when Smith described reporting on the LIV Tour as “rubbish” during a 30-minute question-and-answer session where he was grilled by the world’s media.

At one point his wardrobe took centre stage as the world No.5 revealed that he arrived at Augusta National with two sets of clothing – one set covered in LIV regalia and the other sans any links to the Saudi-backed rebel league.

While concerns over an anticipated backlash from fans, fellow players and officials quickly dissipated, the same couldn’t be said for the families of 9/11 victims, who will hold a press conference in Atlanta on Wednesday morning (AEST) to raise their concerns over LIV players taking part in the tournament.

Cameron Smith is playing his first Masters since joining the LIV Tour. Picture: Getty Images

A statement released by 9/11 Families United said they would detail their outrage at LIV players being included in the field for the Masters – all told, 18 players from the rebel series will be involved.

Among them is Smith, who reacquainted himself with some familiar faces on Tuesday morning (AEST).

“It was good to see some familiar faces,” Smith said.

“Lots of laughs and lots of handshakes, and it was really nice. I really wasn’t sure what I was going to expect walking on to the range but it was good to see some familiar faces and a lot of smiles.

“I was just kind of letting it all kind of happen naturally. I think there’s a lot of stuff going on at the moment that doesn’t need to be going on, especially in the media.

“I think it’s definitely wound up a little bit too much. I spent an hour out there and saw lots of familiar faces, lots of smiles and hugs, and it’s been nice.

“I don’t think there’s any kind of hatred going on between the players. We are all happy where we are, and I’m just as happy for the guys winning out on the PGA Tour as I am for the LIV golfers.”

Smith’s comments were echoed by DeChambeau.

“The reception is great,” he said.

“The fans are awesome. Still saying the same stuff that they would if I was on the other side. It’s fans. You know what, if you can’t handle it, then you don’t deserve to be out here.”

Couples has been one of LIV Tour’s staunchest critics, having taken aim at Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Smith when he made a speech at a recent PGA Tour Champions breakfast.

He was in a more placatory mood on Tuesday morning (AEST), having finished a practice round alongside 15-time major winner Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Bryson DeChambeau is also back at the Masters. Picture: Getty Images

“Yeah, they should be here,” Couples said.

“I have no problem with any of them, just please do not bash a Tour that I have 43 years invested in.

“It bothers the hell out of me. They don’t bother me. They really don’t. They’re golfers. I’m a golfer. I respect them all.

“I have no problem with anyone on the LIV Tour. I really don’t.”

Smith will start the tournament among the favourites and although his form hasn’t been great this season, he felt an immediate infusion of positive vibes as he drove down Magnolia Lane.

He was certainly in no mood for conflict, perhaps best exemplified by his decision to pack for all scenarios. Smith revealed he would be willing to leave his LIV gear in the closet if instructed to do so by tournament officials.

“You know, for me personally, I have another set of clothes made up this week without (the LIV logos),” Smith said.

“We haven’t really heard much from Augusta National about the logos, and for me personally, I’m really proud of where I’m at and what I’m doing.

“Unless it’s a problem for these guys, I’m going to wear it. For sure there’s been a couple of (PGA Tour) tournaments that I really have enjoyed in the past that I feel like I’ve missed out on.

“But at the same time, I’ve made my bed and I’m happy, very, very happy where I am. I’m happy to sleep in the bed I’m in basically.”

Smith conceded it was important for the LIV players to perform well this week amid talk that the standard of competition in the Saudi-backed tour was below par.

“I think it’s just important for LIV guys to be up there because I think we need to be up there,” he said.

“I think there’s a lot of chatter about these guys don’t play real golf; these guys don’t play real golf courses. For sure, I’ll be the first one to say, the fields aren’t as strong.

“I’m the first one to say that. I think we just need a good, strong finish.”

Originally published as Masters 2023: Cameron Smith, LIV rebels arrive at Augusta