Veteran Queensland golfer Rod Pampling says it’s a “disgrace” not figuring out whether or not Cam Smith will ultimately be remembered as a “legend” of golf resulting from his defection to LIV.
Smith, the 2022 British Open champion, gained six instances on the PGA Tour earlier than switching to the Saudi-backed LIV golf league in August final 12 months.
And whereas Smith has gained three LIV occasions, Pampling appeared not sure how the LIV feats would stack up towards success on the PGA and DP World (European) excursions when gamers’ general profession achievements had been in contrast.
“It’s an attention-grabbing time with LIV Golf … there’s not the PGA TOUR wins and the European Tour wins that he (Smith) will be capable to construct on, and we nonetheless don’t know what the long run holds for that,” Pampling stated forward Smith’s Australian PGA title defence at Royal Queensland this week.
“It’s a tricky one to choose since you’re not going to have these occasions to place towards the gamers beforehand.
“In the event that they’ve gained 20-30 (instances on the PGA and DP World excursions), and now no matter he’s gained, he’s not going so as to add to that.
“That’s the place it’s a tricky one to say whether or not he (might be regarded) as one of many greats of Australian golf.
“Proper now, after all he’s, and he’s solely going to get higher as properly.
“Can he win the majors when he performs in them? Time will inform however his recreation is spectacular to look at. I believe doubtlessly he’s the best putter proper now on the market.
“So long as he retains doing what he’s been doing he’ll undoubtedly get there.
“It’s only a disgrace that LIV and the (PGA and DP World excursions) have cut up a lot that it doesn’t enable a man’s profession to develop into being only one. It’s going to be this
or this.
“It’s an attention-grabbing time for the fellows coming by, and the place are they going to
match into the legendary standing of the sport simply because they’ve cut up.”
Gamers from the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia and LIV. in addition to in Pampling’s case, the PGA Champions Tour, will compete for the Australian PGA crown this week.
“That is the good factor with the Champions Tour and the good factor with golf – at 54 you
can nonetheless play competitively towards everybody,” stated Pampling, who gained the SAS Championship in North Carolina final month.
“You’re assembly totally different athletes the world over and so they want they could possibly be competing at that age nonetheless.
“To return again and to win this 12 months was nice. We’re nonetheless working arduous. It’s not like we’re outdated males taking part in the sport for the sake of it.
“We’re on the market working arduous, engaged on the sport which then, while you come again dwelling, I really feel like I can compete out right here.
“I do know the golf course which is a big benefit, so I’m wanting ahead to a superb week.”
Chilean star Mito Pereira has withdrawn from this week’s occasion at Royal Queensland for household causes.