Cameron Smith (Australia) became a hot topic as he played cheerful golf at the 9-hole course near the tournament venue instead of defending his title during the first round of the Players Championship.
Golf Week, an American golf media, reported on the 10th (Korean time), “Last year’s winner, Cameron Smith, played a round with friends at a golf course near the venue when the first round of the Players Championship was held.” The golf course Smith played is called The Yards, one mile away from the competition venue, and has a 9-hole size and a driving range on a 6-hole par 3 course.
Golf Week said, “The atmosphere of Smith’s round was friendly.” It is said that Smith had a good time while staying at his golf course, taking commemorative photos with fans who recognized him.
Smith won the Players Championship last year, but moved to LIV Golf, which is sponsored by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, and was banned this year. The PGA Tour disqualifies players who have transferred to LIV Golf, a competitive tour, from participating in the game itself. This will prevent Smith from practicing or playing rounds at TPC Sawgrass, nor will he be able to use the allotted champion parking space closest to the clubhouse.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monaghan said of the fact that the defending champion did not play ahead of the Players Championship, “It is true that it is awkward. But all of this was brought on by Smith himself.” 바카라사이트
Smith won the Open, a major event last year, and after the Tour Championship, the final match of the FedEx Cup, he received an astronomical signing bonus and moved to LIV Golf. Smith, who lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, announced his intention to watch the Players Championship in the gallery ahead of the opening, but watched the first round on TV that day.