• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

World No. 2 Cameron Smith Joins LIV Golf for $100M

  • LIV Golf lured the world’s second-ranked golfer with a $100 million bonus.
  • The league now has 26 of the world’s top 100 golfers.
Cameron-Smith
Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

LIV Golf has lured the world’s second-ranked golfer, which now gives the upstart series over a quarter of the top 100.

Cameron Smith, second to only Scottie Scheffler in the World Golf Rankings, is joining the Saudi-backed tour, along with Joaquin Niemann (19th), Harold Varner III (46th), Cameron Tringale (55th), Marc Leishman (62nd), and Anirban Lahiri (92nd).

  • LIV Golf now has 26 of the world’s top 100 golfers under contract.
  • Smith’s deal is reportedly for at least $100 million.
  • The announcement follows the completion of the PGA Tour season, capped by LIV critic Rory McIlroy’s victory at the Tour Championship, which lifted him to the top of the FedEx Cup standings and netted him $18 million.

Hideki Matsuyama, Japan’s top player and 16th worldwide, is staying with the PGA Tour for now after turning down an offer that may have been between $300 million and $400 million.

PGA’s Evolution

The PGA Tour’s next season will feature 12 events in the FedEx Cup regular season with an average prize purse of $20 million, as it seeks to counter the rise of LIV Golf. It’s also doubling the total payout of its Player Impact Program to $100 million.

In what may be the most intriguing development on the horizon, Tiger Woods and McIlroy are working with the PGA Tour to develop a new, tech-enabled golf league that will be played in stadiums.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.
opinion

How Rory McIlroy Became Golf’s Lightning Rod

Is McIlroy a hypocrite for ripping fans after his own f-bombs?

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers.