Cameron Smith wins 2022 British Open golf as rumours swirl about Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series

British Open winner becomes highly defensive as he's questioned on rumours he's about to sign a multi-million dollar deal with Saudi-backed LIV golf.

Australia's Cameron Smith speaks beside the Claret Jug after winning the 150th British Open Golf Championship on The Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland. Picture: AFP

Australia’s Cameron Smith, who triumphed at the home of golf this morning (AEST) to win the 150th British Open with extraordinary flair, is on the verge of abandoning the sport's most historic and traditional tournaments to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Smith was charming and elated immediately after winning The Open with a stunning final round of 64 that included six birdies on the back nine. However, he became highly defensive when asked in the press conference about the rumours he was about to sign with the rebel golf group.

Instead of shutting down speculation with a denial, Smith was discomforted that he was being asked about his links to the big Saudi backed golf.

“I have just won the British cup and then you’re asking about that. I think that’s pretty, not that good,” he said, when asked by a journalist what his position was in relation to LIV and the rumour that he was signing up to it.

Pressed further and asked if there was any truth in the rumours, Smith said: “I don't know, mate. My team around me worries about all that stuff. I'm here to win golf tournaments.”

There had been murmurings all week that Smith, 28, was one of a tranche of top flight players ready to jump ship and sign with LIV as soon as the The Open was completed and that he was being offered a sum well north of $US150 million.

If he hasn’t signed, it would be expected his offer would be substantially increased on the back of his spectacular efforts at St Andrews.

Some of the LIV signings may be announced this week. But if Smith, who in winning the Open picks up $US2.5m as well as the title of Champion Golfer of the Year,  joins the rebels, he will risk being able to defend his Open title. This year the Royal & Ancient deinvited former winner and LIV executive Greg Norman from the celebratory dinner.

“What is on our agenda is that we will review our exemptions and qualifications criteria for The Open ... and whilst we do that every year, we absolutely reserve the right to make changes as our Open Championships Committee deems appropriate,” R&A CEO Martin Slumbers said.

“Players have to earn their place in The Open, and that is fundamental to its ethos and its unique global appeal.”

The PGA tour is already looking to indefinitely suspend LIV golfers, which include heavyweights such as Phil Mickelson, reportedly signed for more than $US200m, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka.

Smith’s discomfort at the LIV questions quickly evaporated when he described how his father was missing for the biggest win of his career, and that he was going to keep his mullet hair.

“My dad was actually meant to come over, and he pulled out in the last minute basically. I had a quick chat with him before. He's kicking himself now,” Smith said.

“Just kind of the thought of doing all that travel for one week basically. Yeah, he's definitely kicking himself now. I really wish he was here too. It would have been such a cool week, even without this, to be at the home of golf. Dad loves his golf as well. It would have been awesome.’’

Smith said he hadn’t spoken to his family as yet after the win.

“I haven't looked at my phone yet. When you win golf tournaments, you have friends that you didn't even know were friends. So I'm sure it's going to be busy.”