Cameron Smith has won his first major title after finishing with a one-shot lead at The Open Championship on Sunday. Smith finished with a final day round of eight-under 64, with a total of 20 under par, one shot ahead of Cameron Young.

Northern Irishman, Rory McIlroy’s quest for a fifth major title did not go as planned, as he finished two shots behind in third place. LIV Invitational players, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau finished 13 under and 12 under, respectively.

The day began with McIlroy as the overnight leader, tied with Hovland. Both shared a four-shot lead ahead of Smith, but it was at the last nine holes that the Australian impressed and increased his odds of winning with five consecutive birdies.

He began with birdies at the 10th, 11th, and 12th holes and added a 20-ft shot in the 13th to level with McIlroy before making another birdie at the 14th, pushing him to a solo lead at 19 under. He then completed the rest of his game with a series of par shots, before a two-putt birdie at the 18th hole, which was a one-shot victory, enough to see him win the tournament.

By winning the event, Smith became the first Australian since 1993 to win at St. Andrews. Speaking after the round, Smith described his win as “unreal,” saying, “to have the 150th Open at St Andrews and to walk away with the win is something I’ve dreamt of.

“It’s unreal to look at the names on this trophy and then see mine.”

A mild irritation ensued when the controversial topic of the LIV Golf Invitational was thrown to him. When he was asked about rumours linking him to the new league, his reply was, “I just won The Open, and you’re asking about that. I think that’s not good.” An answer that is neither a yes or a no, but which seemed to shut things down during the press conference.

Written by: Leon Osamor