LIV Golf's poster boy Cameron Smith: "I actually had a lot of sleepless nights"

LIV Golf's Cameron Smith reportedly signed a deal worth $143m when he bolted from the PGA Tour. 

It was a decision that likely appalled the game's traditionalists, given that he had just won the landmark Open at St. Andrews and was closing in on becoming the number one ranked player in the world. 

His critics argued that he was risking his future and his legacy. What would happen with the majors? What would happen to his form as he decided to play in a new golf league that only plays 54-hole events? 

Speaking before the 87th Masters, Smith did concede the fields in LIV Golf events aren't very strong in comparison to their North American rival. 

That being said, he maintained he was very happy with his decision to join LIV. It's a position that he has always taken. 

To be honest, that's not exactly surprising given that per his contract he's not allowed to say anything detrimental about his new employer. 

But speaking before LIV's Australian debut in Adelaide, Smith did claim that there was one issue that caused him sleepless nights. 

Apparently, it was over what he should re-name the all-Australian LIV Golf side that he is the team captain of. 

In the debut season, Smith was part of the team called Punch GC. It's now called Ripper. 

Related: Greg Norman wants a LIV Golf for women

Smith said: 

It's hardly surprising that Smith was heavily involved in this process. 

Both Smith and his teammate Marc Leishman were given more than just a nice pay cheque to leave the PGA Tour. 

They both received a 25 per cent stake in the Punch franchise. 

The franchise element will be crucial as to whether LIV Golf can truly succeed. 

LIV's primary backer, the PIF, have provided a travel stipend for season two but from 2024 all teams are expected to pay their own expenses. 

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