Many expected the 150th edition of The Open to be Rory McIlroy’s moment on the legendary Old Course at St. Andrews. However Australia’s Cameron Smith rode a blisteringly hot putter to the winner’s circle, despite starting the day 4 shots back of co-leaders McIlroy and Viktor Hovland.
The Claret Jug was the first major victory of Smith’s career, and his third win during the 2022 PGA schedule thus far. The Aussie’s previous best finish in a major was a tie for 2nd at the 2020 Masters.
Smith became only the 3rd winner to ever shoot a 64 or better final round of The Open, joining Henrik Stenson and Greg Norman in the exclusive club. His 20 under score over the course of the 4 day event also tied Stenson’s 2016 mark for lowest 72 hole total in Open history.
Despite facing an uphill climb to catch the leaders, Smith’s putting prowess was on full display Sunday as he birdied 5 consecutive holes to launch himself up the leaderboard on the back nine.
The number 6 ranked golfer in the world seemingly couldn’t miss the cup down the stretch, something that eluded him in previous major tournaments. After nearly driving the green on 18, Smith tapped in for birdie to put the pressure on McIlroy who was in the group behind him.
Needing an eagle on 18 to force extra holes, McIlroy’s drive came up short of the green meaning he would need to hole out to have a chance at 1st place. His chip would prove too firm as he rolled his 2nd shot past the hole to seal the win for Smith.
Smith, who turned pro back in 2013, was visibly overcome with emotion in his post round interviews. “To win an Open Championship in itself is probably going to be a golfer’s highlight in their career,” Smith said. “To do it around St. Andrews I think is just unbelievable.”
McIlroy, who held a 4 shot lead at the beginning of the round, and a 3 shot lead at the turn had few answers for what went wrong Sunday. “Disappointed, obviously,” McIlroy said. “Yeah, I felt like I didn’t do much wrong today, but I didn’t do much right, either.”
The Northern Irishman was a green in regulation machine throughout his final round Sunday, but required 36 putts to close out his 18. By two putting every hole, Rory, who hasn’t won a major since 2014, was ultimately undone by his short game once again.
“I got beaten by the better player this week. To go out and shoot 64 to win the Open Championship at St. Andrews is a hell of a showing. Hats off to Cam,” McIlroy said.
Clearly wanting no part in playing it safe on 18, McIlroy would ultimately settle for 3rd place as Cameron Young sunk an 15 foot eagle putt on the final hole to claim 2nd.
With the victory, Smith becomes the first Australian to win at St. Andrews since Kel Nagle in 1960. “All the names on there, every player that’s been at the top of their game has won this championship,” Smith said. “It’s pretty cool to be on there. It really hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will for a few weeks. Yeah, it’s just unreal.”
Smith took home $2.5M of the $14M purse for his efforts over the past week.