Cam Smith and Scottie Scheffler get golf world talking after first-round incident in FedEx Cup Playoff opener
A seemingly harmless moment in the opening round of the FedEx St Jude Championship got the golfing world talking overnight.
Most people who have ever entered a course have heard of it golf etiquette – the expected behavior of those who practice the ancient sport.
For example, it is considered bad etiquette to go over another player’s line on the putting surface.
So why did world number one Scottie Scheffler do exactly that to world number two Cameron Smith at TPC Southwind on Thursday?
As Smith, arguably the best putter in the world, read his putt, Scheffler sauntered right between him and the hole.
Well, you don’t get number one in the world without playing a little golf. It is very unlikely that Scheffler did not know exactly what he was doing.
Smith’s look suggested the same.
See for yourself.
Scottie Scheffler shares his thoughts on Cam Smith’s move to LIV. pic.twitter.com/lRyoJDCzTL
—John Nucci (@JNucci23) August 11, 2022
It didn’t take long for fans to draw their own conclusions as to why Scheffler might be upset with the Aussie – reports over the past few weeks have suggested Smith, the recently crowned Open champion, has joined the Saudi-backed Greg Norman guided rebels will join LIV tour.
Scheffler, the reigning Masters champion, has openly criticized those defecting to LIV.
Smith’s alleged exit, coupled with an unusually sloppy opening round from Scheffler, may have left the American frustrated enough to do something as petty as walk over another player’s line.
Early in the round, Scheffler was happy to high-five Smith after potting from 156 yards for Eagle, so maybe it really isn’t that deep?
Cam Smith holes for Eagle to start his round @FedExChamp 💪
Stream the first round now: https://t.co/ae5lYayZQb pic.twitter.com/ynKT1MJc3W
– ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) August 11, 2022
It’s up to you to decide, but either way, it looks like the drama between the PGA and LIV isn’t going away anytime soon.
Post-round, Smith appeared to offer another clue to his future when asked for his comments earlier in the week.
“I’m ready to handle some heat,” Smith said Sky Sports.
“I understand saying that, but like I said, I’m here to win the FedEx Cup Playoffs, that’s my number one goal and whatever happens after that will come from me.”
On court, Smith finished 27th with a tie after the first round of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, while Scheffler finished 87th with a tie after five holes.
Si Woo Kim and JJ Spaun currently share the lead at eight under par.