Cameron Smith, captain of the all-Australian Ripper GC team in LIV Golf, expressed his hope that LIV Golf will survive despite recent uncertainty about its future. Speaking on August 4 in Bedminster, New Jersey, ahead of the LIV Golf New York event, Smith called the experience "great fun" and credited LIV Golf with helping grow junior and social golf participation in Australia, saying, "What we’ve been able to do for golf in Australia is really quite important to me" [1, 2].

Smith signed with LIV Golf in 2022 on a reported $140 million contract and has been one of its leading players since then [1, 2, 3, 4]. LIV Golf’s Adelaide event in February 2026 drew over 115,000 fans, setting attendance records and highlighting the series’ recent popularity in Australia [1, 2, 3, 4]. Smith said the LIV format and team setup, including his leadership of the Ripper GC squad, made players "better people and better golfers" [1].

However, LIV Golf’s financial backing faces a major challenge. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced in April 2026 that it would end support after the current season [1, 2, 3, 4]. This puts the league’s future in question. Smith acknowledged this uncertainty but made clear his intentions: "If it was the only option, I think that’s where everyone would want to be for sure, 100 per cent," referring to returning to the PGA Tour if LIV Golf ceases [2].

Despite reports that the LIV Golf Team Championship scheduled for August 27-30, 2026, in Plymouth, Michigan, might be canceled, players including Smith have been told to prepare for the event as planned [1, 2, 3, 4]. Smith said the season-ending event will be held at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, a Detroit suburb [1, 2, 3, 4]. He referenced the positive atmosphere from last year’s event in Detroit and expressed hope to return there again [2].

The next major LIV Golf event remains the New York tournament in early August, with the Team Championship still scheduled for late August. The league’s future will likely be clearer following these key events and decisions on funding support [1, 2, 3, 4].