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USA Today via Reuters

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When Cameron Smith signed with LIV Golf in August 2022, he didn’t just leave the PGA Tour, he fundamentally rewrote his financial trajectory with a reported nine-figure contract. The Australian’s net worth now sits at approximately $95-110 million as of late 2025, built primarily on his LIV deal valued between $100-140 million. That figure represents one of the most lucrative contracts in professional golf history, trailing only Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, and Dustin Johnson.

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The timing of Smith’s defection proved critical. He lifted the Claret Jug at St. Andrews in July 2022, pocketing $2.5 million. Six weeks later, he signed a contract worth roughly 50 times that amount. The Open Championship victory gave him maximum leverage in negotiations, positioning him as the reigning “Champion Golfer of the Year” at the apex of his prime.

His LIV contract wasn’t just a signing bonus, it was a complete financial restructure. Industry analysts estimate roughly 50% was paid upfront in late 2022, providing immediate liquidity of $50-70 million pre-tax. The remainder followed through annual installments over a 3-4 year period. In 2025, Smith likely received one of the final tranches, estimated between $25 million-35 million.

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How Cameron Smith built his LIV Golf fortune

This guaranteed income stream insulates him from performance volatility. Even in 2025, when he finished 24th in individual standings—his lowest LIV ranking yet—his gross income remained at elite levels. On the PGA Tour, a 24th-place season finish would devastate annual earnings. On LIV, Smith still banked approximately $4.3 million in individual prize money.

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USA Today via Reuters

Smith has earned over $47 million in LIV prize money alone since joining. Add that to his $26-28 million PGA Tour career haul, and his combined on-course earnings exceed $79 million. His 2024 annual earnings hit $47 million total—$43 million in winnings and $4 million in endorsements. That performance ranked him 17th among the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2023, per Forbes.

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Beyond individual prize money, Smith’s wealth grew through LIV’s team structure. As captain of Ripper GC, he holds a 25% equity stake in the franchise. His team won the 2024 Team Championship in Dallas, securing $14 million. Smith took home $3.5 million as a player, while 60% of the team’s winnings flowed into the franchise’s operating account, boosting his equity value.

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Smith has pocketed approximately $40.6 million in prize money aside from his contract sum, winning three times on the circuit—first in Chicago in 2022, then twice in 2023 at Bedminster and London. Conservative estimates place top-tier LIV franchises in the $50-100 million range. If valued at $80 million, Smith’s 25% stake represents approximately $20 million in illiquid assets.

How Cameron Smith diversified beyond golf

Smith’s endorsement portfolio evolved alongside the LIV transition. He maintains relationships with Titleist for equipment, FootJoy for footwear, and corporate sponsors, including Citi, Easypost, and Baker Tilly. The shift to Greyson Clothiers came through his Ripper GC team deal, replacing his previous Original Penguin partnership.

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Forbes estimates his 2024 off-field earnings at $8 million—a robust figure for a golfer on a streaming-focused tour. The retention of sponsors like Citigroup is particularly notable, as financial institutions typically avoid reputational risk. Smith’s marketability clearly transcends the LIV-PGA divide, particularly in Australian and Asian markets, where his AirAsia partnership demonstrates regional brand strategy.

His business portfolio expanded beyond golf in 2025. Smith co-founded Kindling Snacks with former Kodiak Cakes executives, launching protein-enhanced pretzels. The venture secured distribution through Costco and Bass Pro Shops by mid-2025. His role extends beyond silent investor—he actively promotes the brand, leveraging his fishing and outdoors persona.

Real estate represents another wealth-building pillar. Smith purchased a $10 million penthouse in Brisbane’s New Farm neighborhood in late 2024. The move followed a profitable flip—he bought a sub-penthouse in the same building for $4.85 million in February 2023 and sold it for $6.6 million, netting $1.75 million profit.

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His Florida holdings serve dual purposes: tax efficiency and lifestyle. The Jacksonville primary residence, purchased for $2.4 million in 2020, features deep-water access for fishing. Florida’s zero state income tax saves Smith approximately $4 million annually compared to California residency. His total real estate portfolio sits at approximately $12-15 million.

Combined with $65-80 million in liquid investments, $15-25 million in Ripper GC equity, and $2-5 million in business ventures, his asset base supports the $95-110 million net worth estimate. While his world ranking suffered due to the OWGR impasse, his balance sheet thrived. Smith’s financial profile now resembles a sports entrepreneur more than a traditional tour professional—positioning him as one of the financially dominant figures in Australian sports history.

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