Cameron Smith has become more than just a top-tier golfer—he’s one of LIV Golf’s most passionate ambassadors and a proud representative of Australian golf. This week at LIV Golf Adelaide, Smith found himself at the heart of a fervent homecoming, surrounded by fans who have embraced both him and the breakaway tour with open arms.
For Smith, nothing highlighted this overwhelming support more than seeing kids decked out in Ripper GC gear, a moment that reinforced the impact of LIV’s team-based format.
“That was just so much fun to be in front of that home crowd, not only screaming your name but chanting ‘Ripper’ and ‘you little Ripper’—whatever else you get around the course. It was epic,” Smith told The West.
“I think that’s the amazing thing about LIV and the team stuff—we really don’t know where it’s going to go.”
LIV Golf’s Growth Has Surpassed Smith’s Expectations
Smith, one of the most high-profile players to make the leap to LIV Golf, admits that when he first joined, he had no clear vision of what to expect. Now, with packed crowds and growing momentum, even he has been taken aback by just how much LIV has evolved in three short years.
“If you had told me three years ago that we’d be where we are today, I would have said no. Honestly, I think we’ve far exceeded all of our expectations—not only with venues, with the league, even within the team.”
The former Open Champion sees a clear trajectory in LIV’s development, both in terms of player commitment and operational structure.
“We’re just making so many great strides, and I can’t wait to see where this goes in the future.”
Smith Highlights Team Growth as a Reflection of LIV’s Expansion
While the league itself has expanded, Smith pointed to Ripper GC’s own growth as a microcosm of LIV’s progress.
“Last year, we had one staff member. Now, that number has risen to five or six.”
For Smith, this is a sign of sustainable, organic growth, not just within individual teams but across the entire LIV Golf ecosystem.
With record-breaking fan engagement in Australia, an evolving team-based format, and continued investments in infrastructure, LIV Golf is proving that it isn’t just a disruptor—but a legitimate, thriving league with a future that’s still being written.
One thing is certain: Cameron Smith is fully invested in seeing where this journey takes him.
