As LIV Golf returns to Adelaide, excitement is at an all-time high, especially for the Australian stars who have been waiting for their moment to shine in front of a home crowd. With the tournament set to tee off in just two days, Cameron Smith, Australia’s biggest golfing icon, is fired up and ready to deliver another show-stopping performance.
For Smith, Marc Leishman, Matt Jones, and Lucas Herbert, the stakes are personal. Team Ripper GC, LIV Golf’s all-Australian squad, is on a mission—to dominate on home soil and replicate their electrifying team playoff victory from last year.
Cameron Smith: “You Were Trying to Get It Done for Australia”
Last year’s team triumph in Adelaide was a career-defining moment for Smith, not just because of the win, but because of the unmatched support from the Australian fans. He vividly remembers the pressure and passion that fueled his drive to victory.
“It kind of felt like you were trying to get it done for Australia,” Smith said, as quoted by The West.
“Just the amount of people that were all on your side was pretty unique. I’ve never really felt like that before where everyone is leaning on you to get it done.”
Smith, the face of Australian golf and captain of Ripper GC, is eager to relive that feeling—but this time, with even bigger expectations on his shoulders.
Marc Leishman: “A Strong Start Gives Us Motivation”
Smith isn’t the only one hungry for success. Marc Leishman, one of the team’s most experienced players, sees LIV Adelaide as the perfect opportunity to capitalize on their momentum.
Ripper GC recently delivered a statement performance in Saudi Arabia, finishing second in the team standings—a result that has given them confidence heading into this much-anticipated homecoming.
“We put in a fair bit of work earlier this year just to try and be ready for that first event,” Leishman said.
“We had a training camp in Miami where we all practiced for a week just so we didn’t feel underdone at that first event. You put the work in, and you don’t know if you are going to get the results straight away, so it was nice to get a good result first up.”
For Leishman, Jones, and Herbert, this event represents something bigger than just another LIV stop—it’s about proving that LIV Golf belongs on the global stage and that Australian golf is thriving.
Lucas Herbert: “The Team Aspect Changes Everything”
For Lucas Herbert, the team format of LIV Golf has been a refreshing change from the traditional, often solitary nature of professional golf.
The camaraderie, shared celebrations, and collective energy of competing as a unit have injected a new level of excitement into his game.
“The team aspect is a completely different experience,” Herbert admitted.
“When the team achieves success, every individual within the team celebrates, there’s a positive atmosphere, and it’s clear that LIV leaders have done a great job in creating this part of the game.”
With the Australian crowd fully behind them, Ripper GC has the chance to make history—again.
LIV’s Expansion Down Under: A New Era for Australian Golf
LIV Golf’s decision to invest in Australia has already proven to be a massive success. The country, which has often been overlooked as a top-tier golfing destination, now finds itself at the center of LIV’s global push.
For the Australian stars of LIV, this tournament isn’t just about points and prize money—it’s about building a legacy, electrifying home crowds, and proving that Australian golf deserves the spotlight.
What’s Next?
With Smith, Leishman, Herbert, and Jones all in peak form, Ripper GC is primed for another deep run in Adelaide. Will they defend their team title, or will another squad rise to challenge them on their home turf?
One thing is certain: Australian golf fans are in for a spectacle.