What would happen to Australia’s biggest LIV Golf stars if the breakaway league disappeared? Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert have revealed their positions on a potential PGA Tour return as uncertainty continues to surround LIV Golf beyond the 2026 season.
The Australian trio discussed their futures ahead of LIV Golf New York, with fill-in Ripper GC player Travis Smyth also explaining the options available to him should the league fail to continue.
Cameron Smith Open To PGA Tour Return
Smith said he would be interested in returning to the PGA Tour if LIV Golf ceased operating and it became the best available option.
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“I mean, if it was the only option, I think that’s where everyone would want to be for sure, 100 per cent,” Smith said.
“It would go back to old times.”
Smith’s comments represent a notable shift from his position earlier in 2026, when the 2022 Open Championship winner reiterated his commitment to LIV Golf after reportedly being offered a potential pathway back to the PGA Tour.
However, Smith did not express a desire to leave LIV while the competition remains active. His response was specifically about the hypothetical situation in which the league no longer existed.
The 32-year-old joined LIV Golf in 2022 and subsequently became captain of the all-Australian Ripper GC team.
Marc Leishman Remains Committed To LIV
Leishman gave the strongest indication that his preference is to remain involved with LIV Golf, even if the competition operates under a different structure in 2027.
“No, I haven’t,” Leishman said when asked whether he had considered returning to the PGA Tour.
“I’m confident there will be something next year. The team is working really hard, and I would certainly like to be here next year for sure, whether it looks how it does now or something different.”
The 42-year-old added that he remained “invested” in the competition.
Leishman was a six-time winner on the PGA Tour before joining Smith at LIV Golf in 2022. His comments suggest he believes the league—or a restructured version of it—will continue beyond the current campaign.
Herbert’s Management Exploring His Options
Herbert confirmed that his management has conducted due diligence over the possibility of needing another place to compete.
“I haven’t personally had any discussions, but I think my manager has,” Herbert said.
“If LIV were to go away and you’ve got nowhere to play, I think ultimately you need somewhere to play as a professional golfer.”
Herbert stressed that remaining with LIV Golf was still his preference if the competition continued.
The 30-year-old enters the discussion in excellent form after winning LIV Golf United Kingdom at JCB Golf and Country Club. He finished the tournament at 30-under-par, six strokes clear of Tyrrell Hatton, after earlier leading the 2026 Open Championship following the second round.
Herbert’s recent performances would likely make him an attractive player to other tours, but any PGA Tour return would depend on the eligibility rules and conditions imposed at that time.
Smyth Has Several Tours Available
Smyth is replacing Elvis Smylie in the Ripper GC lineup at LIV Golf New York as Smylie recovers from a rib injury.
Unlike the three established Ripper players, Smyth said he already holds status across several tours and could return to travelling internationally if LIV Golf folded.
“For me, I’ve got status on about four tours, so Plan A is to play LIV Golf, and Plan B is to bounce around the world like I’ve been doing the past eight years,” Smyth said.
His response highlighted how differently LIV Golf’s uncertain future could affect individual players depending on their existing status and previous affiliations.
Is LIV Golf Actually Folding?
LIV Golf has not announced that it is shutting down, and the Ripper GC players’ comments were responses to a hypothetical question.
However, speculation surrounding LIV Golf’s future has intensified amid reports concerning its funding and attempts to attract outside investment.
LIV is reportedly working to secure between US$250 million and US$300 million in new investment as part of a potential restructure described as “LIV 2.0”. Reports suggest the proposed model could give players a significant ownership position in the competition.
Questions have also been raised about whether the scheduled Team Championship in Michigan will proceed. Two-time major winner Martin Kaymer recently suggested there was only a five per cent chance the event would be held, although LIV Golf had not officially confirmed its cancellation at the time of his comments.
The Sporting Base previously reported that Jon Rahm would consider investing in LIV Golf if the opportunity emerged.
For now, Smith, Leishman and Herbert remain committed to Ripper GC. Their responses nevertheless show that Australia’s leading LIV players are beginning to consider what could come next if the competition cannot secure its long-term future.
