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

150th The Open Final Day Perfect 8-Under, Cameron Young 2nd, Korea's Kim Siwoo Tied 15th

Cameron Smith is giving a thrilling kiss to the Claret Jug right after his 150th Open victory. St Andrews (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multibitz

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

World No. 6 Cameron Smith (Australia) surged with an 8-under-par on the final day of 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 of the 18th (Korean time), achieving a dramatic come-from-behind victory (20-under-par 268). This marks his third win of the season following the Sentry Tournament in January and The Players Championship, known as the '5th Major,' in May, and his sixth career win, this time a major championship. The winner's prize money is $2.5 million (33.13 billion KRW).

Starting from a tie for 3rd place, 4 strokes behind, Smith made eight birdies. After setting his sights with birdies on holes 2 and 5, he swept five consecutive birdies from holes 10 to 14, instantly moving into a one-stroke lead. The highlight was the 'big par' on the crucial 17th hole (par 4). 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 securing par. On the 18th hole (par 4), when fellow competitor Cameron Young (USA) matched him with an eagle to tie, Smith responded with a birdie to ultimately hold onto his one-stroke victory.

Interestingly, Smith is known as 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), widely recognized as 'number one.' This tournament featured especially inspired play, with Smith posting 8-under-par daily bests twice in rounds 2 and 4. His victory also marked a rare achievement as the first Australian winner in 29 years since Greg Norman in 1993.

Cameron Smith is putting on the 18th hole of the final day of the 150th Open. St Andrews (Scotland) = Getty Images / Multivitz

Young's 7-under-par chase ended in 2nd place (19-under-par 269). His 1-under-par in round 3 was a disappointing standstill. Having finished runner-up four times already?at last October's Sanderson Farms Championship, February's Genesis Invitational, and May's Wells Fargo Championship?he seems to be missing that final '2%'. Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) faltered with 2-under-par as his birdie putts repeatedly brushed past the hole, settling for 3rd place (18-under-par 270).

Players affiliated with LIV Golf, sponsored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), saw Dustin Johnson tied for 6th place (13-under-par 275) and 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau tied for 8th (12-under-par 276). World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA) lost 2 strokes and dropped to a tie for 21st place (9-under-par 279). From Korea, Kim Si-woo (27) finished tied for 15th (10-under-par 278), Kim Joo-hyung (20) tied for 47th (5-under-par 283), and Im Sung-jae (24, both from CJ Logistics) tied for 81st (4-over-par 292).

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