World No.2 Smith would become easily the highest-ranked signing in a major coup for the Saudi-backed league which is led by countryman Greg Norman.
Golf Channel was the first of multiple outlets to report on Sunday (AEST) that Smith, Leishman, Americans Harold Varner III and Cameron Tringale, Joaquin Niemann of Chile and Anirban Lahiri of India would join LIV Golf at their next event outside Boston from September 2-4.
ESPN said they were expected to play the event, a move which would jeopardise their Presidents Cup availability as the PGA Tour has said any Tour members who participate in a LIV Golf event will be suspended indefinitely.
The Open champion Smith again declined to comment after completing his third round in the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship in Atlanta on Saturday.
A two-under 68 left Smith tied 18th and 11 shots behind…
