PGA Tour legend Fred Couples has fired shots at Open champion Cameron Smith following his recent comments about why he chose to join LIV Golf this week.
In what was the worst kept secret in golf, World No.2 Smith was officially confirmed as one of six new LIV Golf signings ahead of their Boston tournament.
Smith is understood to have agreed a deal in the region of $100 million to join LIV Golf.
While money was certainly a factor in jumping ship, Smith did play the family card like so many other LIV Golf players have done of late.
“[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won’t ignore that or say that wasn’t a reason,” Smith told Golf Digest.
“It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn’t ignore.”
“The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV’s] schedule is really appealing.”
“I’ll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well.”
“I haven’t been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.”
“I’ve lived over here seven years now, and I love living in the U.S., but just little things like missing friends’ weddings, birthday parties and seeing your mates having a great time at rugby league games has been tough.”
Those comments have not sat well with 15-time PGA Tour winner and 1992 Masters champion Fred Couples, who blasted the Australian on Twitter.
To all my friends who I missed birthdays & weddings …… so sorry, I was busy earning a living on the @pgatour and in my line of work the goal is to EARN your way to work weekends. And by weekends i mean 72 holes. Sorry not sorry .
— fredcouplesgolf (@fredcouplesgolf) September 1, 2022
“To all my friends who I missed birthdays & weddings… so sorry, I was busy earning a living on the @pgatour and in my line of work the goal is to EARN your way to work weekends. And by weekends i mean 72 holes. Sorry not sorry.”
Golf legend Gary Player has echoed very similar sentiments about Smith’s move to LIV Golf.
The majority of golf fans also believe Smith has made a big career mistake.
Smith has also claimed that LIV Golf is “the future of golf”.
There are only five more tournaments left on the LIV Golf schedule for this season.
LIV Golf is then increasing from eight tournaments in 2022 to 14 in 2024, of which there will also be a requirement for players to compete in LIV-backed International Series events on the Asian Tour.
We agree Cam 👍 #LIVGolf #LIVGolfBoston pic.twitter.com/Xl3SSyxnWP
— LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv) September 1, 2022
Article originally appeared on: Golfmagic.com
Ok Fred
Get over it
It’s now as much of a business as a game
Mr. Smith made $100mil, that’s hard, very hard to walk away from. This talented young man is now set for life !!!!!
Al, I believe you are correct . I think the young in our society now only think of the almighty dollar. And it appears thats true in pro golf these days. I dont know if the game itself propels them to be out there every week . I’ve played since I was 12 , I’m now 78 and now I’m out their trying to break back from the 80’s into the 70’s. golf is an amazing game.
What a bitter person. It must take a lot of effort to research and think of ways to demean people for THEIR decisions when you are at the end of your career.. other than 54 hole tournaments..
Hey Fred.. get off my lawn old man..
Agree with AI above. 4 day 72 hole stroke play is NOT carved in stone by Moses, Old Tom, Jack, or country club membership CCRs. And pre Palmer, working for a living for pros meant teaching, running the shop, fitting, fixing the mower, shooting deer, and a winter job. TOUR got flanked by a Saud prince with money. TOUR could have created super-national Masters type events to weave more foreigner players and fans into the US based biz. Look at the morality of TOUR regards Mr. Woods and DJ’s extra cirricular activities which are well known inside, but well hidden from public by TOUR. How many millions of $ did Woods spend on ladies? How much of a drug problem did DJ have? Compare that to the personal happines Lee Westwood found a few years ago and his strong play at age 48 against the “flat bellies” last year.
whew man, you got some serious problems!!!
Apparently neither of you guys lost a friend or family member in the 9/11 tragedy. This tour is financially backed by a country of terrorists who want to try to eliminate the USA. The players who have jumped ship already have more money then they could of ever need. I guess money rules all. SAD!!!!!!!
,
Vince, thanks for bringing up this seriously tainted LIV Golf sponsor issue to the otherwise LIV-favorable comments. Respect for human life is more important than making the absolutely most amount of money possible from an organization which obviously doesn’t share this value.
So you are ok with the PGA and DP tours and players taking money while playing in the UAE and Dubai? Taking huge appearance fees from the middle east sponsors?? If so, how is that different? And I guess you are ok with the tour being supported by and partnering to get equipment from China?? Do you not see how hypocritical you sound?? And yes, it is all about how much money you can make..personally, I work for as much money as I can make.. and as far as couples bitterness, how come he plays 54 hole tournaments if he thinks it’s not real golf??
#Hypocrites