Cameron Smith’s LIV Tour defection not a simple matter of good and evil

The truth is both the Saudi-backed LIV Tour and the US PGA are hard to like, writes Robert Craddock, but those who castigate the Aussie for taking dirty money should do some research.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 25: Cameron Smith of Australia looks on over the 18th green during the first round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

United States golf officials will be angry at Cameron Smith for joining the Saudi-backed LIV tour but don’t expect a solitary word of protest about their headline sponsor backing the same mob.

The PGA tour season climaxed with a fabulous win by Rory McIlroy in the FedEx Cup this week.

That’s the same FedEx group that announced last October they would inject $550 million in the Saudi Arabian economy through talent management, local operations and infrastructure, “reaffirming their commitment to the country’s growth.’’

Smith will be banned from the PGA tour as a consequence of joining the LIV tour and we all get that the Saudi rulers have an horrendous human rights record.

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Cameron Smith will collect $100 million for defecting to the LIV Tour. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

Phil Mickelson’s description of them as “scary mother-----‘’ were the truest words he has ever spoken with the only word that seems out of place being “mother’’.

But if you feel that deeply about banning people who do business with them then surely you should follow through and ban FedEx as well.

The bottom line in the great golf war between the American tour and Norman’s LIV golf is that both parties are hard to like.

But the castigation of golfers for joining the LIV tour is hypercritical and unfair given what’s happening around them.

The Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website boasts

“Australia and Saudi Arabia’s friendly relationship is underpinned by commercial ties … there is significant potential for economic ties to grow, given areas of complementarity in agriculture, mining services, education and construction.”

So it’s fine for farmers, builders, teachers and miners to serenade the Saudis but it’s supposedly heinous for golfers like Smith to do the same.

Saudi Arabia is Australia’s 21st biggest trading partner. Australia does more business with the Saudis than it does with Papua New-Guinea and Canada.

The PGA tour may have initially scoffed at LIV’s inroads but no-one’s laughing now.

With Smith’s signing LIV now have 12 of the last 24 major winners. No matter what the world rankings say that’s blue chip credibility and star power.

Cameron Smith has admitted that money was a factor in his move from the PGA Tour to Liv Golf, Smith's departure has been reported for sometime but will come as a blow to the PGA Tour who lose the second best player in the world. pic.twitter.com/wxuUzxJSuA

— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) August 30, 2022

Call me old fashioned, but I’m still baffled by a guy like Cam Smith going to LIV. I went from being a fan and intrigued by what he could achieve in this game to feeling like he just sold his career on eBay for a quick buck and now I couldn’t care less what he does.

— Golf Is Mental (@golfismental) August 30, 2022

Smith is a stunning signing. The main criticism of the LIV tour has been that it was a glorified superannuation fund for the ageing and aching who sense leaner days ahead.

But the recent British Open winner is in his absolute prime at age 29.

Of course a reported $100 million sign on fee was the prime purpose for him signing up but there were other reasons for him joining which reflect badly on the PGA tour.

Smith wants to come home yet the mega-long USPGA season crushed rivals tours and ties golfers to the American bases for much longer than they would like.

Experienced players such as Matt Jones would have liked to play in Australia more in recent times but had to stay in the United States over the Australian summer to fight for the retention of his playing card.

In recent weeks LIV officials have been scouring the Gold Coast and Sydney looking for venues to play a tournament next year.

They sense an open door and a fertile, unploughed field and they are right.

Golf starved Australian audiences are likely to give them a warm welcome.

And Smith can’t wait to get home.