Before his first major as a LIV player, the 2023 Masters, Smith spoke about the breakaway tour and admitted: “I’ll be the first one to say, the fields aren’t as strong.”
LIV have strengthened since those early days. Indeed, one of their players, Spain’s David Puig, was a brilliant winner in Brisbane last Sunday.
But back at Augusta two years ago, Smith also spoke about the importance of LIV members competing well at majors and a couple duly delivered. The following month Brooks Koepka won the US PGA Championship.
Then in June 2024 Bryson DeChambeau broke McIlroy’s heart by winning the US Open. But it is worth noting that both of those Americans are unusual characters.
Koepka in his pomp always produced his best stuff in the majors while barely seeming to care a jot about week-in week-out events on the PGA Tour.
And DeChambeau is so distinctive in all he does. He is far from a reliable case study when seeking trends.
Smith’s decline – and the fact Jon Rahm has not finished higher than seventh in any major since switching to LIV in 2024 – provide arguably more compelling clues.
Rahm has failed to add to eight major top fives, including two wins, accrued before leaving the PGA Tour. And although he won LIV’s individual standings this year, the Spaniard failed to land a single tournament victory.
He was a strong advocate for LIV’s move to 72-hole tournaments from next year. And while the switch may help with the league’s quest for official ranking points, it carries more significance than that.
The longer format means the better golfers are more likely to prosper and prepares them better for the demands of the majors. Smith has not had a decent showing at that level since finishing tied sixth at the 2024 Masters.
Another Aussie, Min Woo Lee, last month made clear that despite rumours he is not about to move to LIV.
The Perth star cited his desire to remain in the world’s top 50 to preserve Masters status, but he also observed Smith’s decline.
“Cam was one of the best players in the world before he went to LIV and I hope he can find a stride,” Lee said.
“Great golfers, over time, if there’s more holes, they’re probably going to come out on top. So hopefully we can see some good golf out of him.”
This week at his home Open on Melbourne’s sublime sandbelt would be a great place for Smith to start.
He remains a popular figure, but badly needs something more than a cool number plate to remind him of past glories.
