New Additions To LIV Golf

Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Joaquin Niemann, Harold Varner III and others join the ranks of LIV Golf. For some it was the money. For others, time and convenience.

--Ryan Sherman, Writer, Good Lies Golf, 8/31/22

Stunning the golf world this week - Cameron Smith, #2 golfer in the world and recent winner of The Open at St. Andrews moves to LIV Golf. LIV has now claimed 6 of the top 30 golfers in the Official World Golf Rankings. They have also claimed 12 of the last 24 Major winners. This is no small note - as Major golf is the most important pillar the PGA Tour has to its prestige and legacy. These moves were anticipated for months, but hits differently when becoming actual reality. Cam paired the reasoning to a better schedule and life with the finances of it all. I'm sure the opportunity he can generate in the Australian golf market didn't miss his sights either. Cam is unique though because of his instant success this year. Being such a high caliber player and joining LIV is shaking the golf world in two. How will this effect the next generation of young golfers? Will they see LIV as an opportunity once finding some success on the PGA Tour? Will the PGA respond by signing these golfers to more serious contracts? These are all things to consider as we navigate through this new golf territory.

Another young star was scooped up by LIV in Joaquin Niemann. Chile's electric rising talent is coming off a massive season with 2 wins and 5 top ten finishes in 23 starts. Niemann's ability to shape shots with his irons has proved him to be one of the top 20 in the world. Being 23 years old, he had so much potential within the PGA Tour but ultimately decided LIV was the better option. We will see how this effects the future market of up-and-coming golfers from South America.

Harold Varner III was more transparent in his transition, essentially saying that he couldn't turn down that good of a financial opportunity for himself and his family. This is a relatable thought and is certainly one we all share in some way or another. Harold said he even consoled with his wife who had told him "&^%$ everyone and do what you want." The Jordan golfer has been a competitive force this year and he will continue to compete no matter what opportunity falls in front of him. At 33 years old, he's got a mountain of potential.

Marc Leishman joining LIV wasn't surprising given the trend of older successful golfers making the jump. Leishman is important however, because he is seen as a trusted veteran player in the Australian golf market. This would potentially lead to a recruitment type relationship where he is recruiting Australia's top talent for LIV instead of them joining the PGA Tour. Sounds alarmist I know, but the Eastern market is one that has been sleeping for quite some time. The combination of an Asian golf market in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, etc with Australia could prove a huge success. It's certainly an interesting time for golf and we're just excited to see it all.