![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/golf-fans-notice-open-chiefs-delivered-liv-snub-impacting-cameron-smith/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/0_The-Open-2023-Day-One-Royal-Liverpool.jpg&description=Despite 16 LIV Golf stars taking part in this week's Open Championship, including defending champion Cameron Smith, not one has been included in a featured group over the first two days Eagle-eyed golf fans have noticed that defending champion Cameron Smith and his fellow LIV stars have been snubbed by Open bosses during the opening two days of play at Hoylake. The world's best players have descended on the Wirral for this week's major championship, including 15 from the breakaway circuit. Major champions in Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka and Henrik Stenson are all out competing for the Claret Jug. As is defending champion Smith, who secured his first ever major crown at the 150th Open at St Andrews last year, just weeks before joining the LIV Golf setup. Despite Smith and co being in the field, none of them were selected in the event's featured groups across round one and two. Smith was of course the largest omission, having come to Royal Liverpool as defending champion, and golf fans have been quick to notice. Taking to Twitter, one fan hit out at The Open's decision, posting: "It's so petty it's incredible tbh [to be honest]." This was echoed by another, who added: "Disgraceful," before a third tweeted: "Just wait till they are in the leading groups. Good luck blacking them out." The featured coverage offers fans the chance to watch shot-by-shot action of a select number of groups throughout the day's play. Away from the featured cameras Smith began his title defence with one-over-par round of 72 on Thursday. Despite the slow start Smith can take inspiration from his victory last year, where he also shot an over-par opening round before going on to become Champion Golfer of The Year. Asked if this gives him belief that he kick on for the rest of the week, he said post-round: "Yeah, absolutely. "I don't think it's going to be quite as much of a birdie fest as last year, which is probably a good thing for me and the other guys that are){kind=link}
Despite 16 LIV Golf stars taking part in this week’s Open Championship, including defending champion Cameron Smith, not one has been included in a featured group over the first two days
Eagle-eyed golf fans have noticed that defending champion Cameron Smith and his fellow LIV stars have been snubbed by Open bosses during the opening two days of play at Hoylake.
The world’s best players have descended on the Wirral for this week’s major championship, including 15 from the breakaway circuit. Major champions in Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka and Henrik Stenson are all out competing for the Claret Jug.
As is defending champion Smith, who secured his first ever major crown at the 150th Open at St Andrews last year, just weeks before joining the LIV Golf setup. Despite Smith and co being in the field, none of them were selected in the event’s featured groups across round one and two.
Smith was of course the largest omission, having come to Royal Liverpool as defending champion, and golf fans have been quick to notice.