It was a mixed week for the LIV Golf players in action at the Australian Open, but four of their representatives did manage to finish in the top 10 at Royal Melbourne.
Of course, there have been a number of LIV Golf stars teeing it up over the winter on the DP World Tour.
David Puig won the Australian PGA Championship to kick off the 2026 season.
And it seemed that LIV were going to be able to celebrate another of their players emerging victorious at the Australian Open, particularly when Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen left himself in a tough spot on the 72nd hole.
Which tournament would you like to see become the fifth major championship?
The Australian Open, for example, should almost be the fifth major. The market down there is huge with potential.
Rory McIlroy
Unfortunately for Cam Smith, a three putt on the final green meant that the Dane ended up winning by one.
It was not the result the crowds wanted, but in truth, it may actually prove to be a blessing in disguise for LIV Golf.
Cam Smith coming so close to winning the Australian Open has an upside for LIV Golf ahead of the 2026 season
It would be an understatement to say that Smith has had a torrid year.
Heading into the Australian Open, the Ripper captain had failed to make the weekend in every event he played with a cut in 2025 – including all four majors. And he appeared to be extremely bemused after a tough time in Brisbane.
So it was hugely impressive to see Smith bouncing back by coming so close to winning the Australian Open.
And while he will be extremely upset to fall agonisingly short, he can take a number of positives from his performance.
The 32-year-old was under the microscope and went on to remind everyone of his undeniable quality.
And it is LIV who may now reap the rewards.
The perfect storyline heading into LIV Golf Adelaide in February
It was difficult to not write the 2022 Open Championship winner off after his run of form this year. Some think Smith made a big error by joining LIV. And his results in 2025 certainly back that suggestion up.
Had Smith won the Australian Open, it would have obviously been a phenomenal victory. But LIV will know that he now has a fantastic chance to silence his critics and complete his comeback on their tour.
LIV are in a much better position – particularly as a global tour – with Smith at his very best.
That is one of the storylines that they can build the early part of the season around. And if that first win since 2023 comes in Adelaide in February, it will unquestionably provide an iconic moment LIV fans will remember for a very long time.
It would be all the more satisfying for Smith because of what happened on Sunday.
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