Cameron Smith has voiced confidence that the LIV Golf season‑ending Team Championship will still take place, even as the league’s future hangs in the balance. In a recent interview, Smith explained that the players have been instructed to prepare as if the event will go ahead, and he remains hopeful that the tournament scheduled for August 27‑30 in Michigan will unfold as planned.
The uncertainty surrounding the final tournament of the season has been a persistent theme ever since the league announced the dates and location. The event, which is set to be held at a venue in Michigan that previously hosted a successful LIV competition in Detroit, has been the subject of speculation after major champion Martin Kaymer publicly suggested there was only a five‑percent chance it would actually happen. Kaymer’s comment added fuel to the growing doubts about the league’s viability, especially after the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced in April that it would cease its financial backing of LIV Golf. The withdrawal of PIF’s support has left the breakaway circuit scrambling for new investors and has raised questions about whether the organization can sustain its operations beyond the current season.
Despite these challenges, Smith’s optimism is rooted in the practical steps the league has taken. "We have been told to prepare as though it's going ahead.
So we are expecting it to happen," he said. He also reflected on the positive experience the players had in Detroit last year, noting the quality of the course, the enthusiastic crowds, and the overall atmosphere. "I'm really unsure, but we had a great year there last year in Detroit, and we're hoping we get back there," Smith added.
The broader context of LIV Golf’s creation is essential to understanding the stakes. Launched in 2021, LIV positioned itself as a direct competitor to the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, offering larger prize funds and a team‑based format that was intended to shake up traditional professional golf. The league’s arrival caused a seismic shift in the sport, prompting debates about player loyalty, financial incentives, and the influence of sovereign wealth funds in athletics.
Over the past few years, LIV has attracted a roster of high‑profile players, but it has also faced legal battles, resistance from established tours, and scrutiny over its funding sources. Now, with the PIF’s exit, LIV is actively seeking alternative capital.
The league’s leadership has been meeting with potential investors, exploring sponsorship opportunities, and evaluating ways to restructure its financial model. While no definitive deals have been announced, the urgency of securing new backing has intensified, as the organization needs to cover operational costs, prize money, and the logistics of upcoming events. Smith’s comments also touched on his personal plans amid the uncertainty.
When asked whether he had begun exploring a return to another tour, he said he has not yet taken any steps. "I am a positive guy, so I've made no effort to go seek anything else," he explained. He emphasized his commitment to the LIV team, stating that his focus remains on "keeping the team alive" and supporting his fellow players.
The camaraderie among the LIV roster appears to be a key factor in maintaining morale. Smith described the environment as "great fun" and highlighted how the group pushes each other to become better golfers and better people. "The team that we've got, I feel like we make each other better, better people and better golfers as well," he said. He expressed a strong desire to see the league survive, noting that he would hate to see it disappear.
Nevertheless, Smith acknowledged that a return to the PGA Tour might become a realistic option if LIV cannot secure its future. "I mean, if it was the only option, I think that's where everyone would want to be for sure, 100 per cent," he remarked, adding that such a scenario would feel like "going back to old times." Following Smith’s interview, reports emerged that the LIV players convened a meeting led by Bryson DeChambeau to discuss the league’s outlook. According to fellow player Richard Bland, DeChambeau outlined the timeline for the next few weeks, indicating that a clearer picture of the situation would emerge soon. Bland echoed this sentiment, saying that the next two to three weeks would be crucial for understanding the full scope of the challenges and potential solutions.
"Bryson just ran through what he knows, and obviously, we're trying to do it as a group, but we're individuals as well, so I think the next two to three weeks is going to be where it's at," Bland told The Athletic. He also expressed confidence in the leadership’s efforts, stating, "We're in this together; we're fully backing Scott (O'Neil). I think probably in the next two to three weeks we'll have a bigger picture." When pressed about the status of the Team Championship, Bland admitted uncertainty: "I don't know. We have just got to wait and see on that." Lee Westwood, another prominent LIV player, declined to comment on the meeting, emphasizing a desire to keep discussions private.
The situation remains fluid, with several variables influencing the outcome. The league must finalize its funding arrangements, obtain regulatory approvals, and secure venue contracts for the Michigan event.
Simultaneously, player contracts, sponsor commitments, and media rights deals are all contingent on the league’s ability to demonstrate stability. For fans and stakeholders, the potential cancellation of the season‑ending tournament would be a significant disappointment. The event was expected to feature a team format that differentiates LIV from traditional stroke‑play events, offering a unique spectacle for viewers.
Moreover, the tournament would serve as a capstone for the season, providing closure for the players and a final opportunity to showcase the league’s brand. In summary, while the future of LIV Golf remains uncertain due to financial upheaval and the loss of its primary backer, Cameron Smith and many of his teammates are preparing as though the Michigan Team Championship will proceed. Their optimism reflects a belief that the league can navigate the current challenges, secure new investment, and deliver a compelling finale to the season.
Whether that optimism will translate into an actual event depends on the outcomes of negotiations and the ability of the league’s leadership to resolve the outstanding issues in the coming weeks.