20 February 2023 , 15:35
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Australian golfer Travis Smyth has made a desperate plea to LIV Golf bosses ahead of the Saudi-backed series' season-opening event in Mexico later this week.
Last week, LIV confirmed their new-look teams and playing roster ahead of the campaign which kicks off at El Camaleon on Friday. One man included on the roster was American Hudson Swafford, who was named as part of Bubba Watson's 'Range Goats' team for 2023.
Swafford has been dealt a huge blow just days before the season kicks off though, after confirming he will miss the next six months after sustaining an injury in his pre-season practice.
Taking to social media, the American wrote: "I have been struggling with a hip injury which has caused a decline in my on course performance. After consulting with a specialist, I was unfortunately advised my best option for an optimal recovery was to undergo surgery which will require 4-6 months of rehab.
"I remain a LIV Golf player and supporter and will be attending the events as soon as my recovery allows me to in a non-playing capacity. While I undertake my rehab, I am excited for the year ahead to get healthy again back to playing the way I know I can look forward to being back on the course soon.“
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Swafford's injury leaves a vacant spot in the 48-man field ahead of this week's season opener, and the rest of the campaign as a whole. It remains unknown as to who will come in for the American, but Aussie star Smyth is keen to take the the spot.
So much so, the Australian took to Twitter to ask the Saudi-backed series if he could be Swafford's replacement. Responding to the news, the world No. 307 tweeted: " @livgolf_league throw me in!! i’m ready." Smyth does already have some LIV Golf experience, having competed three times during the breakaway circuit's opening season in 2022.
Will you be tuning into LIV Golf's first event of 2023? Let us know in the comments section below.
Smyth played three times on the Saudi-backed circuit in 2022 (via Getty Images)The Australian made over £700,000 in tournament winnings during his short stint, despite finishing no better than 22nd across his three outings. While the world No. 307 benefited financially from the move, Smyth - like many others - faced huge criticism following his Saudi switch.
Taking to Twitter the Australian hit back at his critics, writing: "As much as I’d like to interact with everyone on Twitter, I’ll be switching off my comments to people I don’t follow. The amount of negative comments from strangers is insane. FYI to the people who don’t know who I am, I’ll be just fine doing what I love without you knowing me.”