Cam Smith fired a final-round 64 to win the 150th Open on an incredible day of drama at the Home of Golf, as Rory McIlroy’s bid to end his eight-year Major drought came up short.
Billed before the outset as a Sunday showdown between overnight leaders McIlroy and Viktor Hovland, Smith ripped up that script to tie the record low score to par at The Open and earn the title of Champion Golfer of the Year for 2022 at the game’s most iconic venue.
"Jeez, what a week, I’m going to fall apart here I know," an emotional Smith said in front of a packed out Old Course. "I want to thank my team for everything, it's all been worth it now.
"To the R&A, thanks for a fantastic week. To everyone involved, it was absolutely awesome. It was exactly how an Open Championship should be played, firm and fast. It was unreal.
"To the fans, I had a lot of support out there. Thanks to the Aussie guys, you really kept me going. This one’s for Aus."
Smith started the day four behind but began to eat away at the deficit with birdies at the second and fifth before lighting up the back nine with an irresistible display of putting.
Five in a row from the 10th saw the Australian catch and pass McIlroy and he never looked back, capping off his first Major win in style with a birdie at the last after his playing partner Cameron Young briefly pulled level with a dramatic final-hole eagle.
Young's finish earned him second place, one clear of McIlroy who will be left to rue a raft of missed chances to finally get his hands on an elusive fifth Major.
The Northern Irishman failed to establish any momentum alongside a struggling Hovland but still took to the back nine with a two-stroke advantage. A birdie at 10 maintained his lead before his putter turned cold.
Chances went begging at the 12th, 14th and 17th, leaving him in need of an eagle two at the last to force a playoff, but he was unable to convert from just short of the green, eventually signing for a two-under 70.
"Disappointed obviously, I felt like I didn't do much wrong today, but I didn't do much right either," McIlroy said. "It's just one of those days where I played a really controlled round of golf.
"I got beaten by the better player. I can't be too despondent because of how this year's went. I'm playing some of the best golf I've played in a long time. So it's just a matter of keep knocking on the door, and eventually one will open."
Alongside McIlroy, it was a day to forget for Hovland. Bidding to become the first Norwegian Major winner, he looked out of sorts from the get-go, only opening his birdie account on the 12th. In the end, a two-over 74 left him in a tie for fourth with Tommy Fleetwood at 14-under.
But to the champion goes the final word. In winning, Smith becomes the fourth Australian to have his name engraved on the Claret Jug, following Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle and Greg Norman. Incidentally, Nagle won the 100th edition of golf's oldest championship.
"That's pretty cool," he adds. "I didn't know that. I think, to win an Open Championship in itself is probably going to be a golfer's highlight in their career. To do it around St Andrews, I think is just unbelievable. This place is so cool.
"I love the golf course. I love the town. Yeah, hopefully we can keep that trend going every 50 years. That would be nice, wouldn't it?"
Open Championship Leaderboard 2022
- -20 Smith
- -19 Young
- -18 McIlroy
- -14 Fleetwood, Hovland
- -13 Harman, Johnson
- -12 DeChambeau, Cantlay, Spieth
Useful Links
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Updates will come from Sam Tremlett, Matt Cradock, Mark Townsend and Andy Wright.
Hello and welcome to the final day of the 150th Open Championship!
We'll have Sam Tremlett covering the early action this morning from 8am local time.
FINAL DAY BEGINS
The players are already out on the course right now as the tee times are all brought forward roughly an hour compared to Saturday. Amateur Sam Bairstow kicked us off and four groups have teed off. The one I would keep an eye on contains Sungjae Im and Sam Burns. That is a fantastic group.
WEATHER FORECAST FOR TODAY
We have had some rain this morning and it is a rather grey affair out there right now. But conditions will turn drier, brighter and warmer this afternoon. Interestingly, the southwesterly breeze might pick up this afternoon and grow more variable in mid-afternoon.
PIN POSITIONS TODAY
Here are the pin positions for the day. Unsurprisingly a lot of them are tucked away and hidden which I think is a pretty good defense for the course.
BIRDIES HARD TO COME BY SO FAR
I know there aren't loads of groups on the course right now but there are very few birdies on the leaderboard at the moment. Well, aside from the David Law and Hideki Matsuyama group who are two-under, and one-under for the day respectively. No other group on the course has made a birdie...
JT LEADING DRIVING DISTANCE
I have just noticed the driving distance stats for the week so far and American Thomas is leading the way averaging 351 yards on the measured holes! I know its firm but sheesh! Also the 426 yard bomb by Adri Arnaus?!
HOVLAND NOT GOING TO HOLD BACK
Ahead of today's final round battle with Rory, Viktor Hovland had this to say after his round yesterday.
“It's pretty crazy from where I grew up and so far away from playing the PGA Tour, European Tour, for that matter Major championships. Just to be here is very special, but to have a chance to win one is – yeah, I have to pinch myself, but that doesn't mean I'm going to hold back,” he explained.
Fighting words indeed.
AMATEUR JARVIS TEEING OFF
Sitting at level par, Aaron Jarvis is still in the hunt for the Silver Medal but will need to go low today as he starts his final round. He sits four back of Filippo Celli, and one back of Barclay Brown. The only other amateur to make the cut was Sam Bairstow who is back at seven-over right now.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Just in case you hadn't seen THE bunker shot from Rory yesterday, here is it. I was actually just by the 17th hole when it happened and the roar from the crowd was truly incredible. Everyone around me was wondering what on earth had happened but we all kind of knew Rory had done something.
Rory. McIlroy.#The150thOpen pic.twitter.com/ZgVKfXf8ieJuly 16, 2022
LAW THREE-UNDER FOR THE DAY
The Scot David Law is the hottest player on the course right now as he is three-under through five holes. His playing partner Hideki is two-under through five as well, so it is possible to climb up the leaderboard so far.
BAIRSTOW HOLING SOME MONSTER PUTTS
It seems every time I look up Sam Bairstow is holing an insane putt. On three of the last four holes he has done so and he currently sits at one-under for his round, six-over for the tournament.
RORY TO WIN?
Can McIlroy do it tomorrow? Last night he seemed very happy with his game...
"Every part of my game has felt good this week."Co-leader @McIlroyRory says he just needs to keep it going for one more day. pic.twitter.com/DqUVt4JXyIJuly 16, 2022
DINWIDDIE VISITS BURN
Robert Dinwiddie, who was playing well at the start of the week, as visited the Burn on the 1st hole. With the pin tucked just over it, I would guess he won't be the last player to go in it today.
Elsewhere Cameron Tringale is two-under through three, Hideki birdies the 6th to get to three-under for the day, and Bairstow goes out in 34.
DOES AIMPOINT ACTUALLY WORK?
Forgive my ignorance as I am not the Golf Monthly team member who has tried it, but I don't actually understand Aimpoint and if it works. I see players standing on the line of their putt all the time, just like Sam Burns just did, and yet it seems like the player then misses the putt constantly by misreading it. How can they misread the putt if Aimpoint is designed to help you read putts properly? Not criticising the method, i just want someone to explain it to me.
WITB'S AT THE TOP
In case you were wondering here are the respective What's In The Bags for the players at the top.
HOMA IN THE PUB LAST NIGHT
It seems a missed cut didn't dampen Homa's mood last night as he was spotted pouring pints. Atta boy Max
Proper pour from @maxhoma23 top lad! pic.twitter.com/HcxCReXMgqJuly 16, 2022
TOUGHER CONDITIONS TODAY
I was on the live shift during the morning yesterday and there were definitely more birdies and red on the board on Saturday compared to today. If conditions remain the same it will be interesting to see how the leaders fair on the opening few holes.
FAMOUS NORWEGIANS
I only know three names on this list but Viktor will undoubtedly try and join them today!
RORY'S DAY OF RECKONING
Golf Monthly's Neil Tappin has just written a good piece on Rory McIlroy and how this day is incredibly important for his career. Can he keep his focus and let his experience and his talent combine to get him over the line? We will find out today.
THOMAS HAVING A STINKER AT 1ST
Golf Monthly Editor Michael Harris just said Justin Thomas just left himself one of the stinkiest shots in world golf. After finding the burn at the 1st, Thomas decides to chip over it to a pin just over the other side. I believe Mr Harris has had to play that shot a number of times...
Thomas' playing partner Marcus Armitage makes a regulation par.
HIDEKI HOTTEST PLAYER ON COURSE
Matsuyama is playing very well indeed. He is four-under today and finally into the red for the tournament. Other players under par at the moment are Niemann, Reed, Burns and Jordan Smith.
HIGGO EAGLES 9
Having spent some time on the 9th hole yesterday, it is amazing how easy these guys make that hole look. On TV it looks like a simple driver down there and two putt but it is not as wide as it looks and those bunkers are basically one shot penalties really.
One man who made it look very easy is Garrick Higgo who just eagled it. That is the first eagle of the day as well.
WYNDHAM HAS THREE IN A ROW
American Wyndham Clark has had three birdies in a row at 11, 12 and 13. What would the leaders do for that kind of run later?
FINAU TEES OFF
I must admit, I am disappointed in Tony Finau this week, I thought with his length and streaky putting he could've really gone low but alas it was not to be. He has just teed off in a crispy green Nike hoodie though, a model he has been wearing all week. If the guys at Nike want to help me out with one of those it would be greatly appreciated.
TOUCH OF CLASS FROM HIDEKI
The pro's make that shot look so easy. Faced with a tricky pitch shot over some humps and bumps, Hideki crispy strikes the ball with a low ball flight, it bounds on a couple of times and then checks up next to the hole. I wish, I WISH, I could play that shot.
BROWN GOING IN RIGHT DIRECTION
English amateur Barclay Brown has started steadily today with a birdie at the 3rd and pars everywhere else. He is two back of Felippo Celli who tees off later today.
Patrick Reed has just birdied three of his last four on the front nine as well so he has gone out in 33, bedecked in LIV Golf logos too I might add.
HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED
Look at Rory in this picture! 15 years ago Rory became the youngest player ever to earn a Tour card from tournament-play when he finished T3 at the 2007 Dunhill Links Championship.
1ST EAGLE AT 5
Lars Van Meijel is the first player to eagle the par-5 5th today. The pin is 85 yards on with plenty of room to run the ball up close so I think we might see a couple more by the end of play later.
BROWN BIRDIES 7TH
We are seeing a lot of birdies at the 7th today with Brown making one to get to three-under for the tournament. I am a big fan of what looks like his Walker Cup hat as well.
HIGGO FOUR-UNDER FOR DAY
Left-hander Higgo has joined Hideki and Burns with the best round of the day so far at four-under. Big fan of Garrick, he is a really good player and worked his way from DP World Tour to success on PGA Tour over the last couple of years.
JT WITH SHOT OF THE DAY SO FAR
With 265 yards in, a fairway wood in hand, Justin Thomas has just launched a high, fading beauty of a shot into the par-5 5th. He gives it a small club twirl and rightly so, because it ends up within 20-feet. Let's see if he can convert the eagle but even if he can't that shot was filthy.
HIDEKI BOUNCES BACK WITH ANOTHER BIRDIE
After a birdie at 12, Hideki bogeys 13 and bounces back with a birdie at 14. He is five-under for the day and golfing his ball right now. Cameron Tringale is four-under for the day as well and he has gone bogey-free so far. Now I have typed that put all your money on him to bogey the next...
JT HOLES EAGLE PUTT
That is difficult golf made to look very easy. Outrageous eagle.
CASEY MAKES HOT START
Englishman Casey has birdied two of the first four with textbook birdies on 3 and 4. Some guys are starting to find a bit of mojo out there and scoring has definitely picked up over the past 40 mins or so. Seems like the course has been set up for a good number of birdies to be achievable.
GET EXCITED PEOPLE
The day is young, but videos like the one below get me excited for what is to come later today.
St Andrews, Sunday 17th July. Everything has led to this.#The150thOpen pic.twitter.com/s58c1dRN4jJuly 17, 2022
BOB MAC SPINS IT INTO BURN
MacIntyre is the first guy I've seen to land on the green at 1, and then spin it back into the water. He looks genuinely shocked as well with a hand over his mouth. He should probably just hit from the same place because that pitch shot over the burn is horrifically nerve-wracking.
BAIRSTOW WHIZZES ROUND
Just like that, Sam Bairstow has finished his round in roughly 3 hours and 20 mins. I believe his parents were on the screen getting very emotional as he finished off, that is so great to see.
JT just holed a bomb putt for another birdie as well, dude is playing some filthy golf at the mo.
CASEY MAKES 3 IN A ROW
Englishman is hot right now as he makes another birdie at the par-5 5th. Sam Burns has also just made a birdie on the 15th to get to five-under for the day.
MY 3 HOURS ARE UP
And just like that, once again the 3 hours have flown by and I am handing over to Mark Townsend once again. Been a pleasure to blog for you guys this week and I hope you were entertained. Until next time, over to you Mark.
MORNING ALL
The day of reckoning and I was about to celebrate Rory Day with a new bobble hat but the queues were 500 yards long and we didn't even get through the door. Did see Max Homa with his pregnant partner and took a pic up the 18th so it was worth it (sort of).
JOKE TIME...
Sir Nick: What do you call a seagull that lives in St Andrews Bay
A: A bay-gull
He'll be here all week
HUMIDITY WARNING
Faldo does have his moments and explains that the humid nature of the morning means the ball will spin more. Westwood opens up his day by jazzing one back into the burn though it was more to do with a weak strike rather than too much spin. Should escape with a five.
BURNS NIGHT (MORNING)
Sam Burns left himself a pitch in of just 133 yards to the 17th, hit a wedge, came off it, finished three feet away and makes birdie. Second birdie in two days at the Road Hole and he's -6 for his day.
STRONG SCORING
The scores in this morning so far are - 69, 75, 69, 67 and 69 and Burns is to come in next. What that means for later on who knows but you would think someone will at least get to -20 and maybe beyond Stenson's winning effort at Troon.
THE 5TH TODAY
Is this a first? It is cut 85 yards on and is actually past the pin at the 13th which comes back the other way.
SILVER MEDAL WATCH
Here's how they're sitting with Felippo Celli having just gone off..
Celli -4
Brown -2 (13)
Jarvis +2 (14)
Bairstow +4 (F)
BURNS ON FIRE
He birdies the last four holes and is round in 64, the best of the week alongside the two Cams. Finishes on -6 and has moved up 59 spots today.
HOW COOL IS THIS?
It's not every day your son plays in #The150thOpen Look what it means for the parents of @samjabairstow 🤗 pic.twitter.com/l7pBKU163XJuly 17, 2022
TEE TIME REMINDER
Rory and Viktor off at 2.50
Some incredible twoballs before that - Cantlay and Spieth, Scott and Fitzpatrick, Fleetwood and Johnson, Scheffler and Kim and then the two Cams.
BIG MAC
Is MacIntyre that big? Just eagled the 5th and, after doubling the 1st, is in red figures for the day. Still yet to miss a major cut and will be looking to keep moving up the leaderboard this afternoon.
FLEETWOOD ARRIVES
Has been surprising quite how early some of the players have been getting to the clubhouse. Tommy is here, two and a half hours ahead of his tee time, Scheffler was here 20 minutes ago. No sign of Rory yet..
GORSE PROOF
Marcus Armitage pulls on the waterproofs to back himself into a gorse bush at the 12th, a hole which has been pain in his backside all week. Bunts it out and through the green and worth the effort.
THEEGALA UP AND RUNNING
This is just his third Major and Open debut and he's been a very welcome visitor. Also has lots of good things to say..
'It's funny that there's no water or grass on a lot of California public courses. It's like hitting off the hard pan. You kind of learn to hit these spinning wedges, like cutting them or hooking them. I feel pretty comfortable on some of the lies out here because I know some guys change their wedges or stuff, less bounce. But I'm used to hitting off hard pans. It's a little purer out here, obviously. But, yeah, I think it definitely helped a little.'
TRINGALE ON THE CHARGE
Made his birdie...
Cameron Tringale is in a 𝐑𝐔𝐒𝐇! ⛳😂We've never seen a golfer sprint like this before 😅 pic.twitter.com/DOK7znSeM2July 17, 2022
VISION CHIPS (FISH & CHIPS)
Thomas chips up, from the green, to the pin on the 13th. Over on the 5th, and the same green, Kim is chipping back to the pin which is 85 yards on. Only in St Andrews. Thomas saves his par.
THE 18TH SO FAR
The pin is in its traditional Sunday spot, front left over the Valley of Sin. This is how it's played this morning..
3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 2 (Arnaus), 4, 3, 3, 3
HATTON IN THE HOUSE
Tyrrell's here, more like it with just over an hour to spare. Rory arrived five minutes ago, casual in a pair of shorts.
THOMAS TANKS
JT was going nicely at -3 for the day. Then sticks one over the wall at 14 and also making a mess of the reload.
Ancer has had a hat-trick of birdies and he and playing partner Kaewkanjana area betterball -6 thru 7.
BOB ON
I've developed a bit of a fascination for Robert Dinwiddie this week, like the cut of his jib and his clobber. He's moved up 31 spots to a tie for 33rd and that would get him around $70 if he could maintain that sort of finish.
WESTWOOD ON THE MOVE
Lee John dumped one in the burn at the 1st and bogeyed the next but he's now playing the 9th and is -2 for the day. You can't buy experience and some proper know-how and skill.
AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE
Anthony Quayle is wearing something pretty different today, will try and get a pic. Think it says 'Callaway' in some sort of format but need a better look. Either way it's pretty horrendous.
CASH AND CAREY
There could be some pretty life-changing pay days this afternoon. Ireland's David Carey, who bogeyed the 1st, has reached the turn in 34 and has moved up to 21st - that would net him around $140k!
AA MAN
Over the first three days Adri Arnaus hit more greens than anyone else and only one person outdid him for distance off the tee. Needless to say his putter has let him down badly (82nd) though he did sign off with a 2 at the 18th.
TASTY THAI
Sadom Kaewkanjana is now on -9 having begun the day on -4. Has just birdied the short 11th, just the second two of the day and now inside the top 10. Qualified courtesy of the Singapore Open, a rare success for the Open Qualifying Series.
BOB ON
Something for everyone for MacIntyre - drains one at the 12th from downtown for his second eagle of the day. Sneaks up to -6.
CAPTAIN KIRK
Chris Kirk making a nice move with a third birdie of the day at the 7th. Just his fourth Open for the 37-year-old and might be his best finish to date – was T19 in 2014.
SPANISH INQUISITION
Jon Rahm is having a bit of a shocker on the greens and could well self-combust before too long. Not been his week at all - was T3 at Sandwich a year ago.
KITCHEN APPLIANCE
Robert Dinwiddie (-4) will now play a few events on the Challenge Tour as well as some more fitting kitchens.
'If they need an extra hand, then yeah. It can take its toll on the body for sure. And I felt that this week. So a lot of golf with all the qualifying and here, and there's a lot of tension in your body too because the nerves. I have felt it physically this week.
So I'll maybe try and get Frank and some of the other guys to do all the heavy lifting. When they need help, if I can be of help to them, getting jobs started or finished or whatever it is, then yeah, I'll still help them out.'
THOMAS SIGNS OFF
The PGA champ didn't break 70 all week but he also didn't play a round over par. Not the week he will have been after but he'll very happily take his Major year.
BARCLAY IN CREDIT
Barclay Brown closed with a 75, home in 41, and will miss out on the Silver Medal. The Sheffield youngster will now fly to Slovakia to play for Great Britain and Ireland in a couple of days. Aaron Jarvis sits on +1 while the Italian Celli is sitting pretty on -4.
NOT SO SILLY HERBERT
Lucas drains one at pace across the 7th green, love watching him play, gives it a proper go. Couldn't be further away from how I like to play the game.
STAT ATTACK
Just been sent this..
The stroke average for the field was under par for a second consecutive round (round two, 71.724 and round three, 71.337). This is the third time in Opens at St Andrews that the stroke average has been under par for two consecutive rounds (1990 -rounds two and three and 2015 - rounds three and four). Cumulatively, the players are eleven-over par for the three rounds so far.
BREAKING NEWS...BREA..
Adam Scott is on the practice ground and is not in brown.
GREAT SCOT
Here's that second eagle from Bob MacIntyre, still going strong at -7..
🦅 number two of the day for @robert1lefty #The150thOpen pic.twitter.com/yzXqCfM9jgJuly 17, 2022
FINAU FINALE
Big Tony signs off with a 66, has improved with every round. As you might expect he has a strong Open record and he should be inside the top 20 here. Rory's on the range, blue trousers and maybe a cream polo. Looking good.
OPENING SALVOS
We seem to have seen an awful lot of the opening tee shots which, while it's a lovely setting, we don't get to learn much other than how easy it is to hit a mid iron. I'm all for seeing a wonky one that threatens the OOB stakes but perhaps not as keen on those down the middle.
PRIZE MONEY
There's a lot of talk about money in the game at the moment - this is how the top 10 will get paid out at the end of today..
1st (Winner): $2,500,000
2nd: $1,455,000
3rd: $933,000
4th: $725,000
5th: $583,000
6th: $505,000
7th: $434,000
8th: $366,000
9th: $321,000
10th: $290,000
EAGLE TWO
Thomas Detry signs off with a two at the last which will be worth much gold - finishes at -8 and a nice pay day for the Belgian. Will hand you over into the capable hands of Matt Cradock who will take us through the next three hours as Rory goes for Major No. 5. Enjoy.
Thanks Mark and good afternoon everybody. I've just polished off a bacon sandwich and am ready to cover the next three hours of action at St Andrews. Who will win The 150th Open Championship? Will it be Rory? Will it be Hovland? Will one of the Camerons secure their first Major title? Tune in to find out in what should be a thrilling final day!
BIG MOVERS
Sadom Kaewkanjana is making a big move up the leaderboard as the 24-year-old makes yet another birdie on the final day. Kaewkanjana has carded five birdies and an eagle so far, as he has jumped 30 places up the leaderboard
MAJOR WINNERS OFF
Adam Scott and Matt Fitzpatrick begin their final rounds with both finding the generous fairway at the first. The duo are well back of the leaders, so will need to go low on Sunday.
NEAR ALBATROSS
Wow, that was close! Harold Varner is enjoying a superb final day around the Old Course and very nearly finds the rarest bird of them all at the par 5 14th. I'll admit, the ball did hit the pin at about a million miles an hour, but it still nearly dropped as he rolls in the putt for an eagle. He's now five-under-par for the round and nine-under for the tournament.
CLUSTER AT -9
With the leaders out soon, there is an almighty log jam of players at nine-under-par. Currently, six individuals are at that number, which is a tie for 10th. G1ranted, there are still plenty of holes to play, but maybe worth keeping an eye out if you have an E/W bet...
EVEN MORE LOGJAM
Talking of logjam, there are even more players in a share of T16, with 14 individuals on a score of eight-under-par! Congested or what!?
AMATEUR RACE RUN ITS COURSE?
A huge eagle at the par 5 14th and leading amateur, Filippo Celli, gets to one-under for his day and five-under for the tournament. He now leads the race for the Silver Medal by six shots. Get to know the Italian here.
STRONG START FROM TYRRELL
Tyrrell Hatton loves the Old Course, having won here twice. Although he may have struggled yesterday, he has made three birdies in his opening five holes to get to 10-under-par.
SCOREABLE CONDITIONS
According to Sky Sports, 12 of the 18 holes at St Andrews are playing under-par, with average scoring being around 69. Essentially, if you're over par, you'll be tumbling down the leaderboard
LIV PAIR SHOOT SEVEN-UNDER
The LIV Golf pairing of Abraham Ancer and Sadom Kaewkanjana are in the clubhouse after superb rounds of seven-under-par. Both men have moved up 30 spots and now sit inside the top 10. It'll be interesting to see where they finish after the close of play.
LEADERS ON THE TEE
The main event is here! Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland step on to the first tee as both find the fairway with their opening drives, with Hovland's golf ball finishing no more than a yard or two from Rory's!
All the groups are underway at St Andrews, so sit back, relax and watch the drama unfold.
LET'S GO!
Let's go 🤝 #The150thOpen pic.twitter.com/BaKpQpOJOPJuly 17, 2022
PARS AT THE FIRST
Both find the fairway and green safely, with Hovland the slightly closer of the two. Rory is the first to putt, with his attempt just sliding by the left side as it finishes behind the hole. Viktor then steps up, with his birdie putt from 12-foot also sliding by the left side.
SMITH MAKING EARLY MOVES
Cameron Smith and his beautiful mullet look far more relaxed than yesterday, with this shot at the second proving that. The Aussie puts it close, as he rolls in the birdie putt. Now three back
'That's how you do it'Cam Smith is on the prowl#The150thOpen pic.twitter.com/Nc3Sik7lCIJuly 17, 2022
WORLD NO.1 UPDATE
Scottie Scheffler should be three-under through three but the putter is not cooperating! All of his birdie attempts brush the hole, as he stays at level for the round and five back of the leaders.
SPIETH MAKING MOVES
Spieth is in search of a second Claret Jug and he is currently three-under through five. Hot start from the American, who knows a thing or two about Links Golf.
PARS AT THE SECOND
Both Hovland and McIlroy comfortably par the second, with both men having similar length birdie attempts. Easy pars though for the European pair, who remain three ahead.
CELLI WINS THE SILVER MEDAL
Congratulations to Filippo Celli who wins the Silver Medal! The 21-year-old birdies the last to shoot one-under for his final round and finish at five-under for the tournament. Superb from the young Italian!
ADVANTAGE RORY
A superb pitch from Rory, who puts it in to no more than five-foot. Hovland is also on the green, with the 24-year-old around 15-feet away for his birdie...
BIRDIES AND EAGLES FLYING EVERYWHERE
In an unexpected turn of events there are birdies and eagles flying in everywhere! We almost see an albatross from Xander Schauffele, who sticks his approach at the par 5 14th to near inches, whilst Adam Scott birdies the fifth to join him at 11-under for the tournament
RORY CAN'T CAPITALISE
After Hovland misses his birdie attempt Rory can't capitalise! A missed opportunity for the 33-year-old. Let's hope it doesn't affect him too much going forward...
Congratulations to Filippo Celli. An emotional moment for him and his family watching on!
Italian Filippo Celli has secured the Silver Medal as leading amateur! 🥈Just look at what that means to his family watching on ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u7xn7IlifzJuly 17, 2022
RETURN OF THE STRIKE METER
I've been covering the action for 90 minutes now and it's the first time I've mentioned the Strike Meter... After annihilating his drive 322-yards down the middle of the fairway, Hovland achieves a score of 66. Yep, I have no idea either!
SCHEFFLER BOGEYS FIVE
Well, I had been saying that the World No.1 should be three-under for the day and now he bogeys one of the easiest holes on the course at the par 5 fifth to go to one-over. He drops back to 10-under and you feel that is his race is run.
MCILROY LEADS
Hovland makes a mistake at the fourth as his approach finishes miles from the flag. Rory calmly two putts and, after a poor first putt, Hovland can't make his par. Rory leads as they head to the par 5 fifth, a hole that can kickstart anyone's round!
A bogey is followed by a poor drive at the fifth, as Hovland looks to make up for his early dropped shot. Yesterday, Golf Channel's Brandel Chamblee stated that the Norwegian is "devastatingly bad at chipping." Check out the full story here.
CAMERONS WITHIN TWO
Cameron Smith carries on his fine start, with a birdie at the fifth putting him within two of the lead. As mentioned, he is looking calmer and more relaxed so could a charge be on the cards here. His playing partner, Cameron Young, makes up for a bogey at the first, but has made three birdies in a row to get to 14-under alongside Smith.
EAGLE CHANCE FOR RORY
A superb shot into the fifth green, where the pin is almost 90 yards on, from Rory, as he looks to be seizing the initiative here at the Old Course. He will have a putt for eagle from around 20-30 feet.
LEAD GOES TO TWO
Although Rory misses the eagle attempt he taps in for birdie. There's more good news for McIlroy, as Hovland can't convert his birdie try after laying up. The lead is now two and Rory is reportedly bouncing up the fairways... That's a good sign for his fans!
Is Major No.5 inbound?
Making a statement 💪 @McIlroyRory leads by 2 after a stunning approach sets up a two-putt birdie.#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/CV50HuxW1RJuly 17, 2022
RIPPING IT UP
Players are tearing up the Old Course on Sunday, with only two of the top 30 over-par. Ridiculous scoring!
RORY IS FEELING IT!
Rory is in the zone here and this is some of the best golf I have seen him play! From 50 yards, he takes out the putter and puts it to pin high, 10-foot right. Although the next putt slides by, it's another hole ticked off and a two shot cushion.
WHAT A TWO PUTT
In the midst of Rory-Mania, Cameron Young has produced one of the best two putts you will ever see. After driving the seventh green, he is faced with an eagle putt from 90 foot that breaks three different ways and drops severely at the end. He judges it to perfection, finishing it at the top of the slope as it ends a matter of feet from the flag. He gets to 15-under and is just two back.
Cameron Young moves to within two of the lead with a birdie at the 7th 👏 pic.twitter.com/LcZiG675AtJuly 17, 2022
TWO SPOTS OF BAD LUCK
After finding a divot with his tee shot, Rory makes superb contact with his approach. However, upon landing, it somehow kicks left and misses the bowl surrounding the flag. Super unlucky, as he faces a 20-footer for birdie.
BIG PAR SAVE FROM YOUNG
The American makes a superb two putt at the par 3 eighth, as he remains two back of Rory.
GORSE PROBLEMS
Golf's best swing, Adam Scott, finds trouble at the 12th as his drive fades right and into the gorse. Following the Aussie is Cameron Young who, playing the ninth, finds gorse to the left of the fairway! Prickly situation coming up.
PARS ALL ROUND
Hovland and Rory both make superb two putts at the par 3 eighth, as Rory remains two shots clear of both his playing partner and Cameron Young who, up ahead at the ninth, is in trouble with gorse.
DJ TO WITHIN FOUR
We haven't seen much of him on the broadcast, but Dustin Johnson birdies the par 3 11th and moves to within four of the lead. Can he mount a late comeback?
CAMERONS STRUGGLE ON NINE
After finding the gorse, Cameron Young sticks his wedge on the green but misses the par putt. Cameron Smith on the other hand sticks a lovely pitch to six-feet, but that ever reliable putter has gone cold, as he slides his putt by the right side.
INTERSTING CHOICE FROM VIKTOR
His driving has been fantastic this week, but Hovland goes for an iron off the tee on the driveable ninth. That is despite there being acres of room right. An average wedge shot follows from the 24-year-old, with McIlroy sticking his pitch shot to around 10-foot for birdie. Yet again, advantage Rory.
RORY LEADS BY TWO GOING INTO THE BACK NINE
Rory hits all nine greens in regulation and currently sits at one-under for his round. He leads by two going into the back nine, with Hovland, Cameron Smith and Cameron Young behind him.
RORY SAFELY ON AT 10
Following his par at the ninth, Rory drives the 10th hole and will have a long, long putt for an eagle. Think he would happily take two from there, especially with Hovland well back after a poor drive.
How about this shot at the 10th from Cameron Smith!
"That was cheeky wasn't it?" 😏Lovely play from Cameron Smith 👏 pic.twitter.com/hDPD3XRNJnJuly 17, 2022
SIGNING OFF
Well, that's my three hours up and, as the leaders head into the back nine, I hand over to Andy Wright in St Andrews, who will guide you in to what is set up to be a fantastic finish at the Old Course. Will Rory hold on? Or will one of the chasing pack secure the Claret Jug? I've been Matt Cradock and happy Open Sunday!
SIGNING ON
Thanks Matt, lovely work. A duel for the Claret Jug looks could yet break out but not the one we were expecting. Cam Smith is lighting up the Old Course as he attempts to hunt Rory down.
A shot further back is Viktor Hovland, yet to make his first birdie, and Cameron Young, who could spoil the party. Strap in folks.
THREE IN A ROW FOR SMITH
Cam's putter is running hot, which makes him a dangerous prospect for McIlroy and his legion of fans. A 15-footer at the 12th gives him a third birdie in a row and he's back within one of the lead.
Can Rory respond?
THREE IN A ROW FOR SMITH
Cam's putter is running hot, which makes him a dangerous prospect for McIlroy and his legion of fans. A 15-footer at the 12th gives him a third birdie in a row and he's back within one of the le.
Can Rory respond?
BOUNCE BACK BIRDIE FOR SPIETH
After a costly bogey on the par-5 14th, Jordan Spieth bounces back in style, rolling in a 12-foot birdie at the tricky 15th. He's back to -12 and in line for another strong Open finish.
CLOSING 66 FOR BRYSON
It's low-key been a very good week for Bryson DeChambeau. A birdie at the last has him round in 66 to finish at -12 and leave St Andrews with his best result in an Open Championship.
Elsewhere, Fleetwood takes advantage of the 14th to get to -13. He's probably too far back but a strong finish and you just never know...
HOVLAND OPENS HIS BIRDIE ACCOUNT
Viktor is off and running after 12 holes. The birdie takes him back to level for the day and within two of Rory, who fails to convert from 10ft.
SMITH TIES MCILROY FOR LEAD
Cam is on an absolute heater here. He makes it four birdies in a row at the 13th, holing from around 15 feet to join Rory at the top. The new favourite?
DJ TO -14
A birdie at the par-5 gets DJ to 14-under and within four of the two tied at the top. In the final group, McIlroy's lengthy birdie attempt at 13 pulls up agonisingly short right in the jaws.
SMITH HITS THE FRONT | HOVLAND BOGEYS 13
The Cam Smith birdie train is showing no signs of slowing down. An exquisite chip from over the 14th green sets up a fifth birdie in a row. He's now -19 and one ahead of Rory McIlroy. Seriously impressive stuff.
McIlroy has just launched a drive up 14. Perhaps the fact he is now the hunter rather than the hunted will help him fire up the afterburners.
Alongside Rory, Hovland's day goes from bad to worse. A bogey at the 13th takes him back to -15 and four behind.
ANOTHER CHANCE MISSED FOR RORY
Greenside in two, Rory fails to get up and down for the birdie at 14 that would have given him a share of the lead. Up ahead, Smith recovers from a ropey tee shot to find the heart of the 15th green. Wouldn't put it past him to slot the 40-footer.
SMITH SAVES PAR
Cool as you like, the Aussie mops up a sliding four-footer to hang on to his slender advantage.
SPIETH FINISHES WITH PAR
After a typically exciting round, it's a disappointing four to finish for Jordan Spieth. The 2017 Champion Golfer of the Year is in the house at -12 for another top-10 Open result.
SMITH SAFELY ABOARD 16TH GREEN
The little breaks you need to win a Major all seem to be going the way of Cam Smith today. His second looks destined not to make the journey up the slope that guards the front of the green but a big bounce scrambles it pin high and to around 20 feet.
McIlroy goes close with a long-range birdie putt on 15 and taps in for par. The tension is palpable here. Every swing could now be make or break for the leading duo.
MCILROY ON THE OFFENSIVE
Trailing by one, McIlroy is forced to take driver on 16 and he laces it down the fairway. He'll have a flick with a wedge left for his second but the angle could be better.
Up at the green, Smith safely two-putts for par and to remain -19. To the 17th he goes....
PIVOTAL 17TH TO DETERMINE WINNER?
It could all come down to the Road Hole here. Objective one is complete for Smith, who has found the fairway. He now has the small task of finding the narrowest of targets with The Open on the line. Simples.
The Road Hole going to make or break someone #OpenJuly 17, 2022
LONG BIRDIE PUTT LEFT FOR RORY
It's not his finest wedge shot but at least he's on the right level. McIlroy will have around 25ft for birdie on the 16th.
BIRDIE TO FINISH FOR TOMMY LAD
It's a closing birdie for Fleetwood and a round of 67. He's in the clubhouse at -14 and will register a top-five finish.
SMITH IN TROUBLE AT 17
A chink in the armour of Cam Smith. The Aussie has left himself stymied by the Road Hole bunker after tugging his approach shot. A par looks very unlikely. The door is open for Rory.
Smith wisely opts to putt it and will have 12 feet or so to save par. Behind, McIlroy two-putts from distance to par the 16th. Young is also still in this at -17. It's unmissable stuff.
NERVES OF STEEL
A mini momentum swing? With Smith in trouble, McIlroy has just flushed his tee shot into the heart of the 17th fairway. Hovland joins him but is out of it following a bogey on 16.
WHAT. A. PUTT
What was I saying about steely nerves. Under the most intense pressure, Smith buries his par putt to retain his one-shot lead. Biggest swing of his life coming up.
VALLEY OF SIN AWAITS
Smith's drive is away and he is in good position, with just the Valley of Sin to navigate. Up next, Young still has a chance should the Aussie falter as his drive finds the green, leaving him with a 20 foot eagle putt.
Behind, Rory hits a delicious approach to 17 and will have a good look for birdie at the hardest hole on the course.
MCILROY MISSES | SMITH LAGS IT CLOSE
He's just not taken his chances today. Another goes begging for Rory at 17 as his putt slides by on the left. At 18, Smith lags it to a couple of feet, which could be to win.
SPANNER IN THE WORKS
Cameron Young converts for eagle to get to -19. If Smith misses, it'll be a playoff but he's up to the task. What a round by Smith. Sixty-four blows under the most intense pressure. He's got one hand on the Claret Jug.
RORY NEEDS A CHIP-IN
McIlroy must have missed his drive as it pulls up 20 yards short. He needs to hole it force a playoff.
WATCH: YOUNG'S EAGLE
Here's how Cameron Young piled the pressure on Smith's two-footer.
Cameron Young with an incredible eagle to go -19! 😮 pic.twitter.com/duFimZF1xoJuly 17, 2022
THE WINNING MOMENT?
Is this the moment Cam Smith won the 150th Open. We'll find out imminently.
Sensational Smith! 🔥What a final round from Cameron Smith to go -20, which means Rory McIlroy will need an eagle to force a playoff! 😮 pic.twitter.com/10Md801drzJuly 17, 2022
CAM SMITH IS THE OPEN CHAMPION
It's agony for McIlroy as his chip fails to find the target. He just didn't quite have his best stuff today but there's no denying Cam Smith went out and won it today.
The Australian is the Champion Golfer of the Year. "Now you can hug me," he says to his team.
PARS TO FINISH FOR HOVLAND AND MCILROY
Like yesterday, the final group failed to get going. It's a disappointing 74 for Hovland, who was aiming to become Norway's first Major champion, while McIlroy is round in 70 to miss out on a playoff by two.
SIGNING OFF, WHAT A WEEK
That was incredible. One of the most dramatic back nines I can remember. It's heartache for McIlroy but Smith is a worthy winner.
Thanks for following along. Until next time, goodbye!