Cameron Smith conveniently says golf prize money needs to 'come back' down after cashing in with LIV Golf

Tim Brando tells Dan Dakich why he thinks LIV never grabbed the attention of American golf fans

It isn't necessarily bold or even controversial to say that the amount of money in professional golf has gotten out of control in recent years. Purses have consistently increased, no-cut events have become a part of the routine, guaranteeing gargantuan paydays, and it's not exactly easy to justify.

It is, however, easy to point to what has gotten the sport to this overexposed spot in rather rapid fashion: LIV Golf.

With the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) signing several players to reported nine-figure contracts while also playing limited, no-cut events beginning in 2022, it forced the PGA Tour to react with increased purses as well, and that ripple effect has only intensified over the last four years.

Cameron Smith of Ripper GC plays his second shot on the 9th hole during day one of LIV Golf Korea at Asiad Country Club on May 28, 2026 in Busan, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

GOLFER SMASHES CAR'S WINDSHIELD WITH TEE SHOT, GETS CONFRONTED BY CAR ON COURSE, THEN ACES VERY NEXT HOLE

One player who quickly jumped ship from the PGA Tour to LIV in 2022 was Cameron Smith.

The Aussie reportedly signed a multi-year contract with the breakaway circuit for $140 million. Despite accruing generational wealth, that hasn't stopped him from speaking about the money in professional golf getting out of hand, although it probably should.

"This has been an awesome four or five years for us golfers, for everyone around the world. It's changed a lot of things, but I think realistically, it's time for everything to come back to the way it was," Smith told the Daily Mirror.

Cameron Smith