[The Open] 'Putting God' Smith "This time, Major Victory"... McIlroy Tears in 3rd Place

Cameron Smith is sharing his joy with his caddie immediately after his 150th Open victory. St Andrews (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multibits Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ‘The God of Putting’.

World No. 6 Cameron Smith (Australia) staged a dramatic come-from-behind victory with an 8-under-par final round on the 18th at the 150th Open Championship (total prize money $14 million) held at the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland (par 72, 7,313 yards) in the early morning (Korean time). This marks his third win of the season and sixth career victory, following the Sentry Tournament in January and The Players Championship, known as the ‘Fifth Major,’ in May. This time, it is a major championship win. The winner’s prize money is $2.5 million (33.13 billion KRW).

Starting from a tie for third place, 4 strokes behind, Smith made eight birdies. After zeroing in with birdies on holes 2 and 5, he swept five consecutive birdies from holes 10 to 14, quickly rising to a one-stroke lead. The highlight was the ‘big par’ on the 17th hole (par 4), the key moment of the match. When his second shot landed just behind a bunker, he showcased a fantastic short game by putting the ball to the right of the pin and making par. On the 18th hole (par 4), when fellow competitor Cameron Young (USA) tied the score with an eagle, Smith responded with a birdie to secure a one-stroke victory.

It is interesting that Smith is considered a ‘short hitter’ with an average driving distance of 298.6 yards (104th on the PGA Tour). His fairway hit rate is 57.08% (142nd), and greens in regulation rate is 66.56% (72nd). However, his putting is the best, averaging 1.67 putts per hole (ranked 1st), recognized by all as ‘number one.’ This tournament especially featured inspired play with two 8-under-par daily best rounds in the 2nd and 4th rounds. He also made history as the first Australian winner in 29 years since Greg Norman in 1993.

Rory McIlroy is disappointed after missing a birdie putt on the 6th hole on the final day of the 150th Open. St Andrews (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multibits

Young’s 7-under-par chase ended in second place (19-under-par 269). He has already finished runner-up four times, including the Sanderson Farms Championship last October, the Genesis Invitational in February, and the Wells Fargo Championship in May, showing a pattern of falling just short by ‘2%.’ Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) faltered with a 2-under-par round and finished third (18-under-par 270). ‘LIV Golf’s flagship’ Dustin Johnson (USA) tied for 6th place (13-under-par 275), and Korea’s Kim Si-woo (27, CJ Logistics) tied for 15th place (10-under-par 278).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.