Michael La Sasso Claims LIV Golf Indianapolis; Cameron Smith Finishes Tied 17th

La Sasso Secures Indianapolis Title

Michael La Sasso secured the LIV Golf Indianapolis title in 2026. He finished the tournament at 18-under-par. His final round score was a 65. The 22-year-old American sealed his victory with a birdie on the par-5 18th hole. This win marked the conclusion of the 2026 LIV Golf season. La Sasso collected a $US2 million winner's cheque for his performance.

He faced strong competition during the final round. Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, both multiple major winners, emerged as significant threats. At one stage, La Sasso slipped two shots behind as Rahm and DeChambeau appeared to contend for the lead. However, La Sasso rallied to regain control. Rahm, who shot a final-round 63, opened an opportunity for La Sasso with a bogey on his final hole, the par-4 first. DeChambeau ultimately finished third in Indianapolis, while Rahm secured second place.

Cameron Smith's Performance at Chatham Hills

Australian Cameron Smith finished tied for 17th position at the LIV Golf Indianapolis event. He completed the championship at 10-under-par. Smith's final round was a two-over-par 72, which saw his challenge diminish. He had commenced the final day just one stroke behind the leader.

His Sunday round began with a three-putt bogey on the first hole. This early setback impacted his momentum for the remainder of the day. The result means Smith has not recorded a win in three years. He was also not the highest-placed Australian in the field. Marc Leishman, another Australian, recorded a final-round 67 to finish tied for 10th at 12-under-par. Lucas Herbert also finished tied for 17th alongside Smith, propelled by a final-round 64.

LIV Golf's Future Structure and Player Commitments

The Indianapolis event concluded the 2026 LIV Golf season amidst questions regarding the league's future structure. Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund announced in April that it would cease its investment in the league after the current season. Despite this, LIV chief Scott O'Neil expressed optimism for 2027 and beyond. O'Neil stated that a new principal investor had been secured.

O'Neil also mentioned a deadline for players to commit to "LIV 2.0," the proposed new iteration of the league. However, he did not specify an exact date for this deadline or the size of the new investment. This uncertainty has prompted speculation among players. Jon Rahm, who finished second in Indianapolis and secured his third consecutive season points title and second team crown, is contracted with LIV Golf through the next season. He is reportedly considering a return to the PGA Tour.

Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau are also among the prominent players who may evaluate a return to the PGA Tour. The implications of these player decisions and the new investment structure will shape the competitive landscape for professional golf in the coming years.

Implications for Asian Golf Markets

The evolving landscape of LIV Golf holds direct consequences for professional golf in Asia. LIV Golf has previously staged tournaments in the region, including events in Singapore and Thailand. The stability of its future investment and the commitment of its top players will determine if these opportunities continue. A consistent LIV Golf schedule could provide playing opportunities for Asian professionals and showcase regional courses to an international audience.

The potential return of players like Cameron Smith, an Australian who commands a significant following in the Asia-Pacific region, to the PGA Tour could shift focus back to established tours. This might affect viewership and sponsorship for any LIV events planned for Asia. Conversely, a robust "LIV 2.0" could intensify competition for talent and event locations within the Asian golf market.

Asian golf industry stakeholders, including course operators and tourism boards, will monitor these developments. The presence of major tours and high-profile players directly influences golf tourism and local engagement. The outcome of LIV's investor search and player decisions will reveal the strategic direction for its engagement with Asian markets.