After three long years on the road away from Australia, British Open champion Cameron Smith has returned home to Queensland as he prepares to play in the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship.
Speaking exclusively to 7NEWS reporter Pat Welsh as he touched down at Brisbane Airport, Smith said he has “no regrets” about the ‘scary’ decision to join the controversial Greg Norman backed LIV Golf.
WATCH IN THE VIDEO ABOVE: Cameron Smith’s exclusive chat to 7NEWS.
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“No regrets, I love it,” Smith said of his decision to join LIV Golf.
“It (the decision to join LIV Golf) was quite scary at the start.
“Making a career move like that, especially at this point in my career was quite scary but I love it now and it puts a smile on my face.
“The way I’ve seen the fans react to the events has been really good.”
Some of the biggest names in world golf have joined LIV Golf, however others have stayed loyal to the PGA and criticized the Saudi-funded organization.
Smith said he is still close with most of the players and they often catch up and text regularly.
“I think most of the guys were happy for me,” he said.
“Most of the guys I’m really close with and they understand that I had to do what I had to do and they just wanted what was best for me.
“We still have a laugh, we still have a beer and there are no hard feelings.”
Smith said he is relishing the chance to catch up with family and friends and play a LIV Golf tournament at home after it was recently announced that Adelaide will host a tournament next year.
“It’s been a while and it’s awesome to be back,” Smith said.
“It’s going to be great to spend Christmas at home.
“I’m looking forward to not only playing in Australia, but playing in front of friends and family.
“Adelaide will be awesome. Another couple of weeks at home for me puts a smile on my face.”
After touching down in Brisbane, Smith said the first thing he would do is go have a meat pie at his uncle’s café.
“I think I’m going out to my uncle’s café in Brendale and I’ll go have a meat pie and a flat white and a couple of beers after that,” Smith laughed.
Smith will play the Australian PGA in Brisbane from November 24-27 before playing the Australian Open in Melbourne the following week.
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