Cameron Smith Assures LIV Golf Future Post-2026

Cameron Smith dismissed concerns over LIV Golf's future on Wednesday, stating he has received "every assurance" the breakaway tour will continue beyond this year despite Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund ending its financial backing after the 2026 season.

The Public Investment Fund, which has invested more than $5 billion in LIV since its 2022 launch, announced last week it would cease funding at the close of the 2026 season. LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil expressed confidence in securing new sponsors during a press conference ahead of the tour's event at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, starting Thursday. "I had about a dozen inbound calls this weekend from potential investors," O'Neil said. "It was a split between private equity, family office and then your traditional high net worth guys who invest in sports and sports teams." He added that the fund still owns the majority of the business and has committed to funding through the announced period.

Smith, the 2022 British Open champion and captain of the all-Australian Ripper GC team featuring Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert and Elvis Smylie, signed with LIV early for a reported $100 million and has earned about...