Did Rory McIlroy warn Cam Smith about leaving PGA Tour?

Jul 17, 2022; St. Andrews, SCT; Cameron Smith celebrates after winning the 150th Open Championship golf tournament at St. Andrews Old Course. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

Did Rory McIlroy warn Cameron Smith about leaving the PGA Tour?

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 8/24/22

The speculation surrounding PGA Tour pro Cam Smith and his reported plan to defect to the LIV Golf series has gained a lot of traction over the last month or so. But apparently, Rory McIlroy knew long before the public did that the Aussie was contemplating joining the Saudi Arabia-funded breakaway league.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday ahead of this weekend's Tour Championship, McIlroy revealed that he had a conversation with Smith after the two placed first and third at The Open Championship at St. Andrews last month.

The nature of that discussion? Keeping Smith informed that changes were coming to the PGA before Smith made any decisions about leaving to join LIV Golf.

"I want guys to make a decision that's informed," McIlroy said on Wednesday.

Rory McIlroy spoke to Cam Smith after he won The Open. Wanted to congratulate him, but also wanted to inform him about impending changes. "I want people to make a decision that’s informed. Guys can do whatever they want. But I want them to make decisions based on all the facts."
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) August 24, 2022

Despite being one of the loudest voices speaking out against LIV Golf, McIlroy has also taken a diplomatic approach when discussing other golfers making the decision to leave the PGA Tour. In McIlroy's eyes, the decision is theirs to make -- he just wants them to have all of their facts straight.

"I just don’t want people making decisions, hearing information from [only] one side and not from another," he said, via Golf Week. "That’s sort of been my whole thing this entire time - I’ve always said this, guys can do whatever they want, guys can make a decision that they feel is best for themselves and for their families, but I just love guys to make decisions on all of the facts, and sometimes I don’t feel some guys made those decisions based on having all the facts in front of them."

According to TMZ Sports, Smith is closing in on a deal to join LIV Golf once the FedEx Cup playoffs have concluded.

More must-reads: