Cameron Smith pips Rory McIlroy to 150th Open Championship in dramatic style
- Sean Fisher
- 17 July 2022
Australia's Cameron Smith put on a stunning final round performance during Sunday's play to scoop the 150th Open Championship ahead of Rory McIlroy.
Cameron Smith produced a remarkable comeback at St Andrews on Sunday to pip Rory McIlroy to the 150th Open Championship.
McIlroy looked in good form during the opening three rounds, and started well on Sunday to take a two-shot lead halfway through the round.
In contrast, Smith endured a frustrating third round and was four adrift from the top at the start of Sunday's action.
However, the Australian was in fine form at St Andrews, and fired in eight birdies in the final round - including five consecutive birdies from the 10th - to card his second 64 of the week.
One of THE great Final Round displays at The Open š
ā The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2022
Congratulations, Cameron Smith, the Champion Golfer of the Year#The150thOpen pic.twitter.com/vkuPua9Iqv
McIlroy avoided bogeys in the final round, but his 70 wasn't enough to keep pace with the rampant Smith, leaving the Nothern Irishman distraught and shell-shocked as another major slipped away.
As a result of Smith's superb showing, the Australian finished 20-under par, beating Tiger Woods' course record set back in 2000.
Smith's final birdie on the 18th left McIlroy needing an eagle to force a four-hole shootout, but as the St Andrews crowd piled in, he was unable to deliver.
Look at the state of that back nine š„µ
ā The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2022
Cam Smith, that was incredible š #The150thOpen pic.twitter.com/3mIpJcItZK
To add to McIlroy's misery, America's Cameron Young managed an eagle on the final hole to climb above him into second with 19-under par.
More to follow...
