Report: Greg Norman's call to Cam Smith after The Open sealed $140m deal

Greg Norman reportedly phoned new LIV Golf Tour signing Cameron Smith after he won the 150th Open Championship and told him: "Well done Smithy, you've joined the club. I've always believed in you." 

That was according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Not long after this, it was reported by The Telegraph that Smith, 28, had penned a deal north of $100m to join LIV Golf. He confirmed his long-assumed intentions this week. 

How much convincing Smith needed to join LIV is unknown. Critics might suggest there's approximately 140 million reasons why. Norman, understandably, is delighted with the new signing and even took a dig at the PGA Tour when the worst kept secret in the golf world was finally announced. 

"LIV Golf is showing the world that our truly global league is attracting the world's best players and will grow the game into the future for the next generation," he said.

"The best and the brightest continue to embrace the excitement and energy of LIV Golf and what we're building: a tangible league for team golf that will connect with new audiences all over the globe.

"We can't wait to tee off this week at The International and deliver another memorable event experience for fans."

Related: LIV Golf Tour Boston

Smith previously tried his level best to dodge questions about LIV Golf in recent weeks as the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup Playoffs concluded. He said he was "ready to cop some heat" and even Rory McIlroy alluded to a private chat he had with the Australian in an attempt to perhaps get him to stay with the PGA Tour. 

The Aussie was due to speak at a press conference before the LIV Golf Tour Boston event this week. He has already given an interview to Golf Digest where he explained that, of course, money was a huge factor. 

More: Rory McIlroy rips into LIV Golf after winning FedEx Cup

Smith told the publication: "The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV's] schedule is really appealing.

"I'll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well. I haven't been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing.

"I've lived over here seven years now, and I love living in the U.S., but just little things like missing friends' weddings, birthday parties and seeing your mates having a great time at rugby league games has been tough." 

He added: "For me personally, I love teams golf, and it's something I wish I could have more often.

"I love the four-person teams aspect [of LIV]. Even when you're out of the tournament, there's something else to play for." 

Smith is likely to be the team captain for an all-Australian side in Boston alongside Marc Leishman, Matt Jones and Wade Ormsby. 

Adam Scott and Jason Day were also linked with a move but it appears that - for now at least - they will be sticking with the PGA Tour. 

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