Smith Fends Off Young and McIlroy To Win The Open

Cameron Smith was the victor at St Andrews in The Open Championship, but he didn’t have it easy, winning by a solitary stroke. The Australian faced serious challenges from both Cameron Young and Rory McIlroy, who would both have been deserving winners on the day, but the US resident held firm to secure his first Major.

Smith, 28, who hails from Brisbane, Australia originally, turned professional in 2013 and currently plays on the PGA Tour of Australasia and PGA Tour. With six wins on the latter to his name and not really any significant moves made in Majors previously, he wasn’t one of the favourites for the competition but won in style with a three-foot birdie putt to close the door on Young, who had just eagled a par-four in the hope of bringing a play-off into the equation.

Heading into the final day, McIlroy, a four-time Major winner, led the way with a four-shot advantage overnight. Viktor Hovland was also tied with the Northern-Irishman at this point, but he slipped to fourteen under and had to settle for fourth place, tied with England’s Tommy Fleetwood. Of course, it was yet more disappointment for McIlroy, who many felt was in the driving seat and on course to win the tournament, but it was undoubtedly a case of him doing everything possible and losing to the better player on the day in Smith, who proved far too good.

Speaking after his third-place finish, McIlroy said, "I didn't feel like I did many things wrong, but the putter went cold on me throughout the round." He went on to add, "I did what I wanted to do. I played a really controlled round of golf.

“Both Camerons, but especially Smith, went on a run on the back nine. I had to dig deep to make some birdies, and I couldn’t.

“I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an Open Championship at St Andrew's is one hell of a showing, so hats off to Cam. He’s had an unbelievable week.”

What Smith was able to do was muster up a genuinely magical final day, and it’s this that saw him lift the Claret Jug. He played the lowest round ever to win The Open, and the twenty-under-par that he achieved betters the record the great Tiger Woods set in 2000.

Delighted with his victory and becoming the first Australian to win the tournament since Greg Norman in 1993, Smith said, “To have the 150th Open at St Andrew's and to walk away with the win is something I’ve dreamt of.” He went on to say, “It’s unreal to look at the names on this trophy and then see mine.

“I am definitely going to find out how many beers can fit in this jug, for sure.”

It now remains to be seen whether Smith will decide to compete in the LIV Golf tour. There has been speculation that he could make the move, and he has so far refused to rule out a switch. But, after his recent success, he may just feel staying put for now is the better option.