Cam Smith: LIV is 'future' of golf

Ahead of his first LIV Golf event, Open Champion Cameron Smith told the media Wednesday that he believes the Saudi-backed series is the "future" of the sport.

"This is a new kind of chapter in my life. I think this is the future of golf," Smith said, per ASAP Sports. "I love how it is out here. It's a little bit more laid back on the range, the music playing. I love that stuff."

Smith reportedly signed a contract earlier this month with LIV Golf worth at least $100 million. However, the golfer said Wednesday the opportunity to spend more time in Australia also played a factor in his decision to leave the PGA TOUR.

Smith said he hasn't forfeited his TOUR membership, although he'll be suspended the moment he tees off Friday in Boston, per TOUR policy. He also said he had a "good" conversation with TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan before joining LIV Golf, though Smith added that men's professional golf "needs to be stirred up a little bit."

Additionally, the 29-year-old spoke out against the difficulties many LIV players could have in qualifying for majors, as the Official World Golf Rankings doesn't currently recognize LIV Golf events.

"I think majors (are) about having the best guys in the best field on the best golf courses," Smith said. "Hopefully, we can sort that out."

Joaquin Niemann, who also had his first LIV Golf press conference Wednesday, echoed Smith's comments.

"I think we've got a lot of top players here, the top 48 players in the world," Niemann said. "We earn our place in the majors, and if they want to see real competition, they have to have the top players."

Niemann and Smith will both make their LIV Golf debuts Friday when they tee off for the 54-hole, no-cut event being held outside of Boston.