LIV star commits to local $800k tour event

The NSW Open in Australia has just secured a massive coup.

After announcing a record $800k prize purse, the event will also have some fresh LIV Golf interest.

Cameron Smith – the 2022 Open champion – has committed to the event in his native country and will look to emulate LIV chief Greg Norman in lifting the title.

Norman, the CEO of the Saudi-backed league, won the New South Wales championship four times in his career.

It will be a debut for Smith in the historic event which takes place at Murray Downs Golf & Country Club in November.

“I love supporting Australian golf, and when the opportunity arises, I want to be there,” the 31-year-old said in a statement.

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“The NSW Open is growing into a major event, and I’m excited to be part of this year’s tournament.

“It’s fantastic it is being played in a regional area and I can’t wait to see how many fans are at Murray Downs.”

Meanwhile, Graeme Phillipson, chief operating officer at Golf NSW, said Smith’s addition is a ‘huge boost’ for the NSW Open.

“His presence will undoubtedly elevate the level of competition and create an incredible atmosphere for all attendees,” Phillipson added.

“We were anticipating large crowds this year, but the numbers will be massive thanks to his star power.”

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Smith is free to compete in the championship, as the 2024 LIV Golf season ends in September.

It is unclear yet whether he will tee it up in this year’s Australian Open to be staged two weeks after the NSW Open.

But Smith has his sights set on etching his name into the history books of one of Australia’s premier golf events.

Sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia, it dates back to 1931 and has crowned Peter Thomson and Ian Baker-Finch amongst other winners.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.