Golf-Home hero Smith LIV-ing it up on return to Queensland

FILE PHOTO: Golf - The 150th Open Championship - Old Course, St Andrews, Scotland, Britain - July 17, 2022 Australia's Cameron Smith poses with the Claret Jug as he celebrates after winning The Open Championship REUTERS/Paul Childs

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - British Open champion Cameron Smith is savouring a warm homecoming on his long-awaited return to Australia where his participation in the Saudi-backed LIV series has done little to dent his popularity.

Back home after three COVID-interrupted years, Smith was given the keys to the city in his native Brisbane on Tuesday, becoming the first golfer among 52 people to receive the honour.