Cameron Smith has taken aim at critics who ridiculed his decision to leave the PGA Tour and sign a massive-money deal with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series after winning his first tournament in Chicago on Sunday.
The Australian made the jump to LIV in August, signing a deal worth a reported €143million and admitted that money was the main reason behind his decision, along with LIV's reduced schedule. And after winning the Series' fifth event by three strokes to bank €4m in prize money, more than the €2.5m he earned for winning the Open Championship in March, Smith hit out at those who suggested he would lose his competitive edge due to the money on offer.
"I think I had to prove to probably myself and some other people that I am still a great player, you know I am still out here to win golf tournaments," Smith said. "Proud of how I hung in there today. Didn't really have my best stuff the first eight or nine holes but stuck it tough and made a few good putts coming in. It was nice."
READ MORE: LIV Golf rebel takes swipe at Shane Lowry over 'one for the good guys' quip
Nine-time Major champion Gary Player is among those who have criticised players for joining LIV, labelling it a tour for players who "don't have the confidence they can be winners" when asked about Smith's defection earlier this month.
Player told the BBC : "How can you ever be a champion playing a tour with 54 holes and no cut? What sort of Tour is that? 54 holes, no cut, a team event nobody understands.
"It's a Tour for people who don't have confidence in their future. They don't have the confidence they can be winners.
"It's never going to compare to the regular Tour. No chance. They've declared war on the PGA Tour.
"I was absolutely shocked to hear [about] Cameron Smith. Here's a young man I really thought was going to be a superstar. Now what sort of future does he have?
"Will he be allowed to play in Majors in the future? Will he be able to realise this great dream of being a champion? I don't know. This is a potential superstar. I think his advisors have given him the wrong advice."
READ NEXT:
Robbie Brady left smiling when talking about returning to Ireland squad
Return of Paul Mannion and Jack McCaffrey to Dublin a "mouth watering" prospect, says Robbie Brennan
LIV Golf rebel takes swipe at Shane Lowry over 'one for the good guys' quip
Mike Tindall's medals explained as former England rugby player wears three at Queen's funeral
Conor McGregor, Dee Devlin and kids in Dominican Republic hours before deadly hurricane hits
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
