Cameron Smith: LIV criticism is BS – we’ll prove you wrong
Cameron Smith wants to prove that LIV golfers play “real golf” and with a solid record at Augusta National, the Masters could be the perfect event for the Australian to silence the doubters
Cameron Smith is determined to win the Masters more than ever and to silence those who say LIV players “don’t play real golf.”
Smith echoed the words of Patrick Reed at the rebel league’s event in Orlando and expressed his desire to see a sea of LIV atop the Masters leaderboard.
The Australian boasts a solid record at Augusta National with three top-five finishes in his last four appearances, and despite a slow start to 2023, Smith will be a leading contender for the Green Jacket.
Smith’s heroics at the Open Championship in 2022 are still fresh in his mind and he’ll arrive at Augusta a major champion for the first time.
“First and foremost for me, I’m trying to go there and play the best golf I can,” Smith said after a Pro-Am at Orange County National. “Is it important for LIV (players to play well at the majors?) – It is important for us to go there and really show a high standard of golf, which we know we’re all capable of.
“Most of us will get four cracks at it this year (in majors), and hopefully we can get a win out of it.
“Maybe we just show a really hearty effort. I think for us, internally, it’s the right thing.
“There’s a lot of chatter going around about ‘these guys don’t play real golf anymore’ and I think it’s BS to be honest and we just want to show people that.”
A triple-bogey on the 12th hole while chasing Scottie Scheffler put an end to Smith’s chances of Masters glory 12 months ago.
18 LIV players will tee it up at the first men’s major of the year with the likes of Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, and Sergio Garcia returning as past champions.
It will be the first time the Masters plays host to a mixed field of PGA Tour and LIV players, and although Bubba Watson and Brooks Koepka have played down the hostility, it will be an intriguing viewing prospect.
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
