Cameron Smith has voiced confidence that the LIV Golf season‑ending Team Championship will still take place, even as Bryson DeChambeau recently chaired a gathering of players to talk about the league’s outlook. The prospect of the final tournament of the LIV schedule, slated for August 27‑30 in Michigan, has been shrouded in uncertainty. Earlier this year, major‑champion Martin Kaymer suggested the event was unlikely, assigning it only a five‑percent chance of happening. When LIV Golf burst onto the scene in 2021, it sent shockwaves through the sport, positioning itself as a direct challenger to both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
Its high‑profile backing and lucrative prize structures attracted a swath of top players, but the venture also sparked controversy and legal battles. Now, the league faces another existential question. In April, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), which had been the primary financial engine behind LIV, announced it would cease its funding.
The organization is currently hunting for new investors to keep the series afloat, a process that adds another layer of doubt to the future of the breakaway circuit. Despite the swirling speculation, Smith remains upbeat about the Michigan event. "We've been told to prepare as though it’s happening, so we’re planning for it to go ahead," he explained. "I’m not entirely sure what the final outcome will be, but we had a fantastic experience in Detroit last year, and we’re hoping to return to that venue." His optimism is echoed by the atmosphere at the venue itself.
"It’s a superb golf course, a fantastic venue, and the crowds turned out in force. I would be disappointed if the tournament didn’t materialize," Smith added. When asked whether he has started to explore options on other tours, Smith said he has not yet taken any steps.
His focus, he said, is on "keeping the team alive" and staying positive. "I haven’t begun looking elsewhere.
I’m a positive person and I’m concentrating on what we can achieve together," he said. Smith also admitted that the situation feels like “a big question mark.” He praised the effort of the LIV organization behind the scenes, noting that they are working tirelessly to secure a future for the players.
"I want it to work, honestly. It’s a lot of fun out here.
The team we have makes each other better—not just as golfers but as people," he said. "I would hate to see it disappear." Nevertheless, Smith acknowledged that a return to the PGA Tour might become the only realistic path for some players if the league cannot secure a stable footing. "If that’s the only option left, then everyone would probably head back to the PGA Tour, 100 percent," he said, adding that it would feel like “going back to the old days.” Following Smith’s remarks, a player meeting reportedly led by DeChambeau took place to discuss the league’s next steps.
According to fellow LIV player Richard Bland, DeChambeau outlined the timeline for when a clearer picture might emerge. "Bryson walked us through what he knows, and while we’re trying to act as a collective, each of us also has individual concerns," Bland told The Athletic.
"The next two or three weeks should give us a better sense of where things stand." Bland emphasized that the players are united behind their leadership, particularly Scott O’Neil, and are awaiting final approvals that would allow the season to continue. "We’re all in this together.
We fully back Scott. In the next two to three weeks we should have a bigger picture," he said.
"We’re positive about the information we’ve received, but we need everything signed off before we can move forward." When pressed about the likelihood of the Team Championship actually occurring, Bland was candid: "I don’t know. We just have to wait and see." Lee Westwood, another prominent LIV competitor, was less forthcoming, stating, "No, I’m not talking about it.
Bland shouldn’t be either," indicating a desire to keep discussions private. The broader context of the league’s financial uncertainty cannot be ignored.
The PIF’s withdrawal marks a significant shift, as the fund had been instrumental in providing the deep purses that attracted many of the world’s top golfers. LIV’s search for a "new lead investor" is ongoing, and the outcome will likely dictate whether the league can sustain its operations beyond the current season. In the meantime, fans and players alike are left watching for updates.
The Michigan venue, with its reputation for a challenging layout and enthusiastic spectators, remains a focal point for hopes that the season will close on a high note. If the tournament proceeds, it could serve as a statement of resilience for the breakaway league, showcasing that despite financial turbulence, the competition and camaraderie among its players endure. Should the event be cancelled, the ramifications would be significant.
Players would face decisions about their professional futures, potentially returning to established tours or seeking alternative opportunities. For the league’s investors, a cancellation could diminish confidence and make securing new capital more difficult. Overall, Cameron Smith’s message is one of cautious optimism. While acknowledging the uncertainties, he emphasizes preparation, teamwork, and a belief that the league’s players will continue to fight for their vision of a new era in professional golf.
The next few weeks will be critical, and the golf world will be watching closely to see whether the LIV Golf Team Championship in Michigan becomes a reality or another chapter in the ongoing saga of the sport’s most ambitious challenger.