“He was a deserved champion” – PGA Tour chief opens up on ‘awkward’ Cameron Smith situation at Players Championship

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan addressed the “awkward” absence of reigning champion Cameron Smith at this week's Players Championship. The American circuit’s boss said that the high-profile LIV Golf rebel “was a deserved champion,” who would be replaced by another.

Speaking about Smith ahead of the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, Monahan said that it was the player’s call to leave for the rebel series. He admitted that the situation was “awkward,” but okay to proceed with.

The PGA Tour chief’s comments came after the Aussie star teased that it "would be pretty funny" if he turned up at TPC Sawgrass as a paying fan. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said, as quoted by the Mirror:

“Cameron Smith had a great performance in 2022. He was a deserved champion. I think as I look to this week and I look at the field that we have here and the strength from top to bottom, I think when we leave here on Sunday night we’re going to crown another deserving champion.”

He added:

“Yes, it’s awkward but ultimately it’s a decision that he made. We’ve got an unbelievable field here this week and a history and tradition that one of these 144 is going to go seek to get.”

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Cameron Smith might attend the PGA Tour Players Championship in person

The PGA Tour chief’s admission comes after Cameron Smith joked about attending the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass as a fan. T

he LIV Golf star, who won last year's competition by a single stroke to claim the biggest payday of his career on the PGA Tour, said that it "would be pretty funny" if he turned up at the event. The 29-year-old’s comment made many fans laugh out loud at the moment.

It is pertinent to note that Smith was omitted from the event as LIV Golf players are not allowed to participate in PGA Tour events, with very few exceptions. Since the event is technically not a major, the Aussie will be forced to watch the event from the sidelines.

Addressing his take on the situation, Cameron Smith said:

"Like I said, I'm a little bit unsure, you know? That's where I live now, so I don't know. I'll definitely be watching on TV. I think it's a great event to watch, I grew up my whole childhood watching."

He added:

"Watching the event and yeah, I'd love to get out there. I don't know how it would be kind of received, but even getting out there and watching, walking around in the crowd might be pretty funny."

Needless to say, the former champion turning up in the crowds at the event would certainly be awkward. Fans can remain calm as the LIV golfer treated the comments as a joke and spared a good laugh.