LIV Golf rumors: Cam Smith, Marc Leishman gone from PGA Tour

The latest LIV Golf rumors about Cam Smith and Marc Leishman appear to be true as a fellow Australian PGA Tour player confirmed they’re gone.

All of the news recently surrounding LIV Golf and, by proxy, the PGA Tour has concerned the antitrust lawsuit filed by the Greg Norman-led startup league. What’s gone under the radar as a result of that, however, is that the movement of players from the longstanding Tour to the Saudi-backed league is still very much in focus.

Right after his win at The Open Championship, rumors began circulating that Cam Smith would headline an Australian contingent heading to LIV, likely after either the FedExCup Playoffs or after the Presidents Cup in September. Those rumors were seemingly put to bed, though.

But now they’re back and seem more real than ever as a fellow Australian PGA Tour pro, Cameron Percy, appeared on a podcast and confirmed that Smith and Marc Leishman are gone to LIV Golf and have already signed their deals.

LIV Golf rumors: Cam Smith, Marc Leishman already signed according to Cameron Percy

Percy was asked directly about it on the Golf Gambling Podcast and seemed a bit broken up about it as he said, “Yeah, it is unfortunately so. Yeah, they’re gone, unfortunately. It’s not good.”

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Given the turning point that we were seemingly reaching anyway with litigation now in the courts, this could be an even bigger wrinkle in the equation. While Cam Smith might not have the drawing power of Rory McIlroy or Justin Thomas, he’s the No. 2-ranked player in the world and the reigning Champion Golfer of the Year. That’s a massive get for LIV Golf and one that could cause action from the PGA Tour.

And not the type of action we’ve been seeing. Losing a player like Smith could be substantial enough to perhaps get Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour to a negotiating table with Norman and LIV. That’s not a given, but it seems very much possible.

As for the departures, that’s two Australians going and the mutterings have been that a full Aussie team could be formed, which immediately raises questions about the futures of golfers like Adam Scott or Jason Day.

Regardless, this would be a massive shakeup for the golf world if Percy’s claim indeed proves true in the coming weeks.

Update: Per a report from The Telegraph, Smith is signing a deal worth $100 million to sign with LIV Golf.

As noted, he’ll play in the first event after the FedExCup Playoffs, which will be held in Boston.

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