ATLANTA — As Billy HorschelAs he approached the 18th hole in Sundays final round at East Lake Golf Clubs Tour Championship, he couldn’t help but wonder if it was his last time playing with his good friend. Cameron Smith, on The PGA Tour.
Horschel and Smith live in Ponte Vedra Florida. They enjoy playing golf together, and they also go offshore fishing when they have free time.
Horschel stated that if he were to leave, it would be the greatest loss to me because of his age and all he has accomplished. Look at the person that he is. He is a great kid, represents himself well, and does it the right and right way. He could go, but it would be a huge loss to me because I am biased. He is one of my closest friends.
Smith, 29, has announced Tuesday that he will be leaving the PGA Tour in favor of LIV Golf. Smith is currently No. Smith is No.2 in the Official World Golf Ranking. In July, Smith won the 150th Open Championship in St. Andrews. Chiles Joaquin Niemann(The 19th-ranked player in all of the world). Harold Varner III (No. 46), Cameron Tringale (No. 55), Australias Marc Leishman (No. (No. Anirban Lahiri (No. (No.
LIV Golf stated that six players will compete in its fourth tournament, which starts Friday at The International outside Boston.
LIV Golf shows the world that our truly international league is attracting world-class players and will grow it into the future for next generation, LIV Golf CEO & Commissioner Greg NormanIn a statement. The best and brightest continue to embrace LIV Golfs excitement and energy. We are building a tangible league for team-golf that will connect with new audiences around the world. We are eager to get on the green at The International and offer another unforgettable experience for fans.
Smith, a player from Australia, is the PGA Tours biggest loss. Smith is in his prime, having won The Players Championship in March and his first major title at the 150th Open Championship. Smith is a six-time winner of the PGA Tour, and a popular player among competitors and fans.
Hes a good friend of mine, Australias Adam Scott said. I play many practice rounds with Cam. Ill be missing that. Its just one more good player I have to beat.
Varner posted a statement on Instagram thanking the PGA Tour for allowing him to make some things out of my life.
He said that the financial appeal of LIV was too tempting to resist.
The opportunity to join LIV Golf, is simply too great of a financial breakthrough that I to pass by, he stated as part of the post. I know what its like to grow up with little. This money will ensure that my child and future Varners have a solid foundation to build on. It will also give them the opportunity to live the life they have always hoped for. It will also help me fund many programs that I am creating with my Foundation. Ill continue to create pathways for kids who are interested in golf. This note is a receipt.
Smith and Niemann, who won the wire-towire at Rivieras Genesis Invitational in February 2016, were automatically qualified to be part of the International Team that will compete at Quail Hollow, Charlotte, North Carolina on Sept. 20-25.
Jay Monahan, PGA Tour Commissioner, has suspended players who participated in LIV Golf events without conflicting-events release. Smith and Niemann will not be allowed to play in the Presidents Cup, which is sanctioned PGA Tour. This is a blow to the International team, who was already considered a significant underdog to the Americans.
International team captain Trevor ImmelmanHe will announce his captains selections on Sept. 6. Hideki Matsuyama, Sungjae ImTom Kim Corey Conners, Mito PereiraScott and Scott have been selected for the team. Immelman will add six more players to the 12-man roster.
Scott stated, All I can tell you is Trevor is as prepared for anything as he can be, I feel so sorry for him. Hes been in a difficult spot for a while. He has a plan and will stick to it. Its not a surprise that we are the underdogs. Theres a strong U.S. team with potential for some. [of their]Guys are also missing, but not at the eleventh hour.
Pereira, who led on the 72nd hole of the PGA Championship at Southern Hills, and was tied for third at the end, will also head to LIV golf at some point in the future according to sources.
U.S. team captain Davis Love IIISix additional captains choices will be added on Sept. 7. Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele Tony FinauYou have already been qualified.