Australian golfer Cameron Smith overcame a four-stroke deficit to claim the title of Champion Golfer of the Year with a victory at the 150th Open Championship. Smith shot a final round 64, ending the tournament at -20 and matching the lowest score to par in major championship history. His 30 on the back nine on Sunday was also the lowest score across the final half of a round for any major champion.
After a disappointing third round, Smith regained his putting form, scoring eight birdies with no bogeys on Sunday. He started with a 34 on the front nine and then went on a birdie streak on holes 10-14 as he took advantage of every opportunity to overtake the lead from McIlroy.
Despite the flurry of birdies, it was a par save on the 17th hole that may be remembered as the defining moment of Smith’s championship. He was behind the Road Hole bunker in two, but used his strongest weapon, his putter, to get up and down on the most challenging hole at St. Andrews.
After the round Smith reflected on the par save on 17: “I knew if I could get it somewhere within, 15-25 feet, I’d have a chance,” Smith said afterward. “Luckily, a few went in.”
This win marks Smith’s second of the year, having previously won the Players Championship in March, and his first major victory. He took over the lead on the back nine and kept it, never giving Rory McIlroy or Cam Young a chance to catch up.
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