Rebel LIV golf tour ‘talking’ to Open winner Cameron Smith, says Ian Baker-Finch

Cameron Smith, the newly crowned Open champion, is in talks over a switch to the LIV Golf Invitational Series, according to his fellow Australian and former Open winner Ian Baker-Finch.

In the 48 hours since hoisting the Claret Jug at St Andrews, Smith has been linked with the multi-million-dollar Saudi-backed tour.

The 28-year-old Queenslander on Sunday was defensive when asked about his future during his post-win press conference, telling the enquiring journalist: “I just won the British Open and you’re asking about that. I think that’s pretty … not that good.”

But reports persist he may be poised to join the Greg Norman-led venture, which is bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and has been heavily criticised by human rights groups, but has already recruited a list of high-profile name with exorbitant contracts.

“I know that they are talking to him and many others,” Baker-Finch, who won the Claret Jug in 1991, told SEN radio. “I hope he doesn’t because I think he can leave a great legacy by winning major championships and becoming the best player in the world.

“I don’t think he needs the money. I don’t think it is going to be something that he should do.

“He will be a $100m guy or more now. Does he want to win more majors or does he want the money? I am hoping he stays and leaves a great legacy like a Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy …. which he could do.

Hearing 90 million was the number. I guess that could make ya do some rethinking!

“I think Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy and a lot of those guys that still compete and play well in majors, and want to leave a legacy, they’re the guys I would be following.”

Former PGA Tour player turned on-course commentator, Colt Knost, has claimed Smith has been offered