The Australian Open brought a mixed set of results for LIV Golf players, though four did manage to land in the top 10 at Royal Melbourne.
Several LIV stars have also been active on the DP World Tour during the winter months. And David Puig opened the 2026 season with a win at the Australian PGA Championship.
LIV appeared poised to add another win when Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen found trouble on the 72nd hole.
Cam Smith had a chance to take advantage, but a three-putt on the final green handed Neergaard-Petersen a one-shot win.
The crowd may have left disappointed, but in some ways, this result could end up working in LIV Golf’s favour.
Cam Smith’s near-miss at the Australian Open could be good news for LIV Golf heading into 2026
Smith has had a rough time of it this year, to put it lightly.
He entered the Australian Open without making a single cut all year, including all four majors. He also seemed genuinely confused after struggling in Brisbane.
Still, it was encouraging to see him bounce back by coming so close to winning at Royal Melbourne.
Smith is surely disappointed to have come up just short, but there are positives he can take from how he played. Even under pressure, he showed why people rate him so highly.
LIV might benefit from his form returning as well.
LIV Golf’s 2026 season opener in Adelaide has the perfect storyline
Smith’s tough stretch in 2025 made it easy for people to question his move to LIV, and many were already doubting whether he could get back to his best. The criticism was understandable, given his form.
A win at the Australian Open would have been a great way to quiet those doubts, but even without it, LIV now has a strong narrative heading into the new season – Smith trying to prove he still belongs at the top.
With the 32-year-old back on track and playing well again, expect excitement around the season opener in Australia. A strong start there could be exactly what he needs to get his year going.
If Smith manages to get back in form during the early part of the LIV schedule and picks up a win in front of a home crowd in Adelaide in February, it would be huge. Not just for him, but also for LIV.
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