Cameron Smith gives reporter short shrift with Masters question: "That's BS"

Cameron Smith says the 2024 Masters disproves the theory that LIV Golf players aren't able to compete with the cream of the PGA Tour's crop. 

Smith was one of 13 breakaway tour players that teed it up at the first major of the year at Augusta National. 

The tournament was won by Scottie Scheffler as the stoic American once again produced a downright laughable display of ball-striking. 

Before the final round began, LIV's bests hope for a green jacket rested on the shoulders of Smith and Bryson DeChambeau. 

Related:

• Report: Wild Rory McIlroy rumour 'complete nonsense'
• Report: LIV Golf identify next mega-money signing

Smith and DeChambeau ultimately finished in a tie for sixth on two-under par, nine shots behind Scheffler. 

Before the major began, there was a lot of chatter over how the LIV golfers would fare. 

Some had suggested the LIV players would not be able to keep up. 

Three-time green jacket winner Sir Nick Faldo took a dim view of the defending champion's chances by saying Jon Rahm had not been tested in 2024 given he was playing 'resort courses in his shorts'. 

Faldo twisted the knife after watching Rahm's display last week. 

For his part, Rahm blasted his own performance as he revealed he had a frosty reception from one player. 

Smith had a fiery response when he was asked by FoxSports after the major concluded if the LIV players lack a competitive edge. 

He said: "No. No, that's BS."

DeChambeau was positive about his showing despite going backwards after a glittering opening round of seven-under 65 at Augusta. 

"It made me feel like I could do it," DeChambeau said.  

"There was a couple of moments out there where I got the tingles. It's a weird thing to say."

DeChambeau won the 2020 U.S. Open which guaranteed him starts in all four of the majors until 2025. 

As a result of his switch to LIV, he has fallen to 110 in the Official World Golf Ranking. 

Although it has to be said he jumped up 100 places in the OWGR last week. 

DeChambeau will need to perform well in the rest of the remaining majors this year. 

"I don't know what the future holds," he said.  

"But one thing I do know, if I do get invited, I'd gratefully come back after my exemption is up."

LIV Golf leaderboard at 2024 Masters:

T-2: C. Smith, B. DeChambeau -2

T-9: T. Hatton E

T-12: P. Reed +1

T-22: J. Niemann +4

T-43 P. Mickelson +8

T-45: B. Koepka, J. Rahm +9

Missed cut:

S. Garcia +7

B. Watson +10

C. Schwartzel +11

D. Johnson +13

A. Meronk +14

Read next:

• Greg Norman reveals the one comment that 'got to me' at 2024 Masters
• Tiger Woods makes LIV Golf claim after finishing dead last at 2024 Masters