‘Best year of my life’: Why $180m Aussie superstars aren’t too fussed about golf merger

Australia’s top golfers, Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman, are relishing life on the LIV Golf circuit, seemingly indifferent to the looming PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger. Speaking at the Royal Queensland Golf Club ahead of the Australian PGA Championship, the duo expressed contentment with LIV Golf’s 14-event schedule, which has allowed them more time with family and friends.

Leishman, who declared 2024 as the best year of his life, attributed his happiness to a balance between competitive golf and personal life, highlighting his team’s success with Ripper GC and the camaraderie that comes with LIV’s unique team format.

Smith echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how the schedule enabled him to stay grounded and focus on sharpening his game for a return to peak form.

However, their transition to LIV Golf has not been without challenges. Both players have seen their world rankings plummet, with Leishman falling to 914th and Smith to 128th. The ramifications of this decline were evident as they missed key events like the Paris Olympics and most major tournaments.

Despite these setbacks, Smith remains determined to excel during the Australian summer, with a strong focus on reclaiming his standing by competing in local events. He also hinted at plans to scout emerging talent for his LIV Golf team, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach amid the uncertainty surrounding the sport’s future.

While the merger negotiations continue, Smith and Leishman are proving that success in golf can be measured by more than just world rankings—it’s also about finding joy on and off the course.