Cameron Smith has voiced confidence that the LIV Golf season‑ending Team Championship will still happen, even as Bryson DeChambeau chaired a recent player gathering to talk about the league’s uncertain future. The final tournament, slated for August 27‑30 in Michigan, has been shrouded in doubt.
Earlier this year, major champion Martin Kaymer warned that the event might not materialise, assigning it only a five‑percent likelihood. When LIV Golf burst onto the scene in 2021, it sent shockwaves through the sport, positioning itself as a direct competitor to the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Its high‑profile backing, lavish prize money, and a roster of big‑name players created a buzz that suggested a seismic shift in professional golf. Yet, the league’s long‑term stability has been called into question after the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in April that it would cease its financial support.
The withdrawal leaves LIV scrambling for new investors and raises questions about whether the organization can sustain its ambitious schedule beyond the current season. Despite the swirling speculation, Smith remains upbeat about the scheduled conclusion in Michigan.
"We have been told to prepare as though it’s going ahead, so we’re expecting it to happen," he said. He added that the previous year’s event in Detroit had been a success, noting the quality of the course, the enthusiastic crowds, and the overall atmosphere. "It would be disappointing if it weren’t," he remarked, emphasizing his desire to see the tournament proceed as planned.
When asked whether he was exploring alternatives such as returning to another tour, Smith said he has not taken any steps in that direction. "I’m a positive guy, so I haven’t made any effort to look elsewhere," he explained, stressing that his immediate focus is on "keeping the team alive" and supporting his fellow players.
He admitted that the situation feels "up in the air," but expressed confidence that the LIV team is working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure a future for the league. Smith also highlighted the camaraderie among the LIV players, describing how the group pushes each other to become better golfers and better people. "I would hate to see it go away," he said, underscoring his personal attachment to the league and the sense of community it has fostered. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that a return to the PGA Tour might become a necessity if no viable path forward for LIV emerges.
"If that were the only option, I think everyone would want to be there, 100 percent," he added, noting that such a move would essentially revert the sport to its pre‑LIV status. Following Smith’s remarks, the players convened for a meeting reportedly led by DeChambeau. According to veteran Richard Bland, DeChambeau outlined the information he has and stressed that the next two to three weeks will be crucial for gaining a clearer picture of the league’s fate.
"Bryson just ran through what he knows, and obviously we’re trying to do it as a group, but we’re individuals as well," Bland told The Athletic. He expressed optimism that the forthcoming weeks would bring greater clarity, stating, "We’re fully backing Scott (O’Neil). I think probably in the next two to three weeks we’ll have a bigger picture." Bland also cautioned that the final decision about the Team Championship remains uncertain: "I don’t know.
We have just got to wait and see on that." Lee Westwood, when approached for comment, declined to discuss the meeting, saying, "No, I’m not talking about it. Blandy shouldn’t be either." The broader context of LIV’s financial turmoil adds another layer of complexity. The PIF’s withdrawal of funding has forced the league to seek a "new lead investor," a process that is still ongoing.
While some reports suggest that talks with potential backers are progressing, no concrete deal has been announced, leaving players and fans alike in a state of limbo. In the meantime, the golf world continues to watch other storylines unfold. Rory McIlroy, for example, is preparing to return to the PGA Tour for the opening FedExCup Playoffs event, aiming to gauge his form after a period away from the traditional circuit.
Meanwhile, the PIF London Championship saw Anna Huang clinch a victory after Charley Hull’s late double‑bogey, and the Solheim Cup 2026 roster for Team Europe has been finalized, featuring players like Anna Nordqvist. All of these developments occur against the backdrop of LIV’s uncertain future. The league’s organizers have repeatedly emphasized the quality of the venues and the enthusiasm of the fans, hoping that a strong showing in Michigan could bolster their case when courting new investors. Smith echoed this sentiment, saying, "It’s a great golf course, a great venue, and the crowds really turned up as well.
I would be disappointed if it wasn’t." In summary, while the outlook for LIV Golf’s season‑ending Team Championship remains hazy, Cameron Smith and many of his teammates are preparing as if the event will go ahead. They are hopeful that the next few weeks will bring clarity regarding funding, investor interest, and ultimately, whether the Michigan showdown will take place. Until then, the players are focused on staying united, keeping their competitive spirit alive, and hoping that the league can secure the resources it needs to continue its challenge to the traditional golf establishment.