PGA Tour's decision preempts Cam Smith's worst round at the FedEx St. Jude Championship
Cameron Smith entered Sunday at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in prime position to be the new No. 1 player in the FedExCup standings. The irony of that possibility is that rumors continued to swirl about Smith leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf soon.
Smith started Sunday at 11 under, two shots behind leader J.J. Spaun. Minutes before he teed off at TPC Southwind, the PGA Tour announced Smith was assessed a two-stroke penalty, knocking him down to 9 under, for playing a ball from the wrong place on the fourth hole Saturday.
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If Smith had any momentum, it was zapped with that decision. He finished his first hole with a birdie before bogeys on the ninth and 10th holes.
He finished Sunday shooting 70, which was his highest round in the tournament. Smith's 9-under-par total finished tied for 13th. He would have been tied for fifth without the penalty.
Smith declined to speak to media Sunday. He's projected to drop from No. 2 to fourth in the FedExCup standings.
Now, bigger decisions will be made. While Smith said he "absolutely" plans to play in the President's Cup that starts on Sept. 19, LIV Golf will have a tournament at The International starting on Sept. 2.
Contact Damichael Cole at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com and on Twitter @damichaelc
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Cam Smith ties for 13th after 2-stroke penalty at FedEx St. Jude
