Australian star Cam Smith has rejected the opportunity to join former LIV golfer Brooks Koepka in returning to the PGA Tour.
He will continue to lead the Ripper GC team in the controversial LIV series, which moves to Adelaide on February 12 after kicking off the season in Saudi Arabia.
The LIV Golf tournament has been a success in Adelaide, but Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour has put pressure on Cam Smith (pictured).Credit: Getty Images
“I’m going to stay,” Smith said. “I have made a decision to come here, and I am standing by it. I’m really excited for 2026, so I think our team is going to have one of our best years yet.”
The PGA Tour opened the door for Smith and fellow LIV golfers Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm to return if they accepted the same conditions as Koepka, who will forgo revenue-sharing opportunities and make a $5 million donation to charity. Koepka also ended his contract with LIV a year early, citing family reasons.
DeChambeau posted a message on Instagram to fuel speculation about how seriously he is considering the option, asking readers what would they do as he stood next to an exit sign.
He then quashed the discussion soon after at a LIV media conference. “I’m contracted for 2026, so I am excited for this year,” he said.
Smith was resolute, saying he was not even tempted to return.
“I have made my bed, and I’m gonna sleep in it. I feel like I am in a really good place in my career and my life, my family life, and I don’t need to change it,” Smith said.