The Open Championship 2022 LIVE RESULTS: Smith birdies FIVE in a row and TRUMPS Mcilroy to memorable St. Andrews win
CAMERON SMITH sent shockwaves around the golfing industry as he pulled off an iconic Open Championship win at St. Andrews.
The Australian star birdied FIVE in a row to dethrone Rory Mcilroy who had complete control of the final day.
And Smith (-19) showed nerves of steel to secure the lowest scoring title win in Open history.
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Ice in his veins, passion in his heart
That is what it took to win The Open 2022.
With a round of 64 taking him 20 under par for the tournament, never has there been a more deserved champion.
Ladies and gentleman, Cam Smith......
Credit: AFP The crowds applaud......
....the silver medal winner from Italy, Filippo Celli.
Final presentation takes place
As the silver medal is handed out before the claret jug, the crowds pack themselves in around the 18th green to see their champion....
'Cam the man' triumphs in The Open
Not only will he lift the coveted claret jug but Cam Smith has re-written history here today.
His winning score of 20 under par equals Henrik Stenson's record from his Open win at Royal Troon in 2016.
Stenson had emulated the previous record of 19 under par, set by a certain Tiger Woods.
The name Cam Smith will live on in the history of this competition as he equals the record.
What a finish to the season's final major
St Andrews provided such a fitting finish with the last major of the season.
Rory McIlroy, expected to seal the win, pipped by the Australian Cam Smith who seemingly went off the boil in his third round yesterday.
One thing is for sure, when this man is on song with his putting, no one can touch him.
Fully deserved, the Open Champion 2022, Cam Smith.
The Open 2022......
.......winner is Cameron Smith!!
Credit: Reuters He's no superman, just nerves of steel!
Cam Smith, never has a man earned his title more.
Some of the shots on this final round have been sublime.
Rory tees off on the 18th hole
Rory McIlroy goes into the final hole knowing he needs some sort of miracle.
Cam Smith birdied the final hole, taking him to 20 under par with a final round of 64.
All of this after Cameron Young drained an eagle to take him to 19 under par and a potential play-off.
Wow! Just wow!
The Open 2022 Leaderboard
Cam Smith leads Rory McIlroy with the Australian heading to the final green.
- Cam Smith -19 (17)
- Rory McIlroy -18 (16)
- Cameron Young -17 (17)
- Tommy Fleetwood -14 (F)
- Viktor Hovland -14 (16)
- Brian Harman -13 (F)
Cam Smith.......the iceman cometh!
Leaving himself a huge putt for par on the 17th, everyone could sense this was where Rory McIlroy could come back into this major.
All waiting for the news as McIlroy nails his drive down the same fairway.
Cam Smith has not read the script as the Australian absolutely drains in.
Credit: Getty Lowry finishes weekend with birdie
Ireland's Shane Lowry finishes his round on the 18th in perfect fashion.
An in and out kind of four days for the Irishman but not far off the top places at all.
Taking the rough with the smooth
Even when the Australian finds himself in the thick rough right now, nothing phases him.
He plays an exquisite shot from the rough to leave himself with a putt for birdie.
Cam Smith really is hitting form at precisely the right time.
Credit: Getty The Open 2022 Leaderboard
Cam Smith leads the way by one-shot over McIlroy.
- Cam Smith -19 (16)
- Rory McIlroy -18 (15)
- Cameron Young -17 (16)
- Viktor Hovland -15 (15)
- Brian Harman -13 (F)
- Tommy Fleetwood -13 (17)
McIlroy need to turn the tide
With Rory now on the 15th hole, where he has two pars and a bogey in his previous rounds, he needs to pull something out of the bag.
Cam Smith does not look like dropping a shot now.
Rory McIlroy needs to try and put some pressure on the Australian to see if he cracks.
Credit: PA Smith leading the way, McIlroy chasing
Cam Smith is The Open leader outright...
The Open 2022 Leaderboard
Cam Smith is the new leader of The Open 2022 on the final day.
- Cam Smith -19 (14)
- Rory McIlroy -18 (13)
- Cameron Young -17 (14)
- Viktor Hovland -15 (13)
- Dustin Johnson -14 (16)
- Brian Harman -13 (F)
- Tommy Fleetwood -13 (16)
The moment that requires the minerals
Both Cam Smith and Rory McIlroy are locked at 18 under par with only 5 holes remaining.
Pressure can get to the biggest of players, calmness will win this.
Will Rory's mind be focussed on his 8 year drought of a major?
Cam shooting for the leader
Cam Smith is on fire at the moment and goes level with Rory McIlroy at the top of the leaderboard.
Can the Irishman stop the Aussie's charge?
The Open 2022 Leaderboard
Rory McIlroy and Cam Smith seem destined to go head to head in the final battle for The Open 2022.
- Rory McIlroy -18 (11)
- Cam Smith -17 (12)
- Cameron Young -15 (12)
- Viktor Hovland -15 (11)
- Tommy Fleetwood -13 (14)
- Dustin Johnson -13 (14)
- Bryson Dechambeau -12 (F)
- Bryan Harman -12 (16)
- Jordan Spieth -12 (15)
Smith peaking at the right time
Cam Smith seems to be going from strength to strength.
Coming back like a boomerang
Cam Smith is turning on the style when it matters.
Draining a huge putt for yet another birdie.
Rory, he's coming for you......
Credit: Getty
Fans follow McIlroy around St Andrews
It is getting to that time of the day where the spectators are laying their hats as to where this championship will be won or lost.
The final pair of the day have a huge following with every shot now.
Rory seems to be enjoying the passion they are showing for his every shot.
Credit: Getty DJ is playing with rhythm
Dustin Johnson is trying to go under the radar as he sneaks into the top five with another birdie.
The Open 2022 Leaderboard
Rory McIlroy manages to keep his two-shot lead from Cameron Young and Viktor Hovland.
- Rory McIlroy -17 (8)
- Cameron Young -15 (8)
- Viktor Hovland -15 (8)
- Cam Smith -14 (8)
- Adam Scott -13 (11)
- Dustin Johnson -13 (11)
- Dean Burmester -12 (16)
- Jordan Spieth -12 (12)
- Tommy Fleetwood -12 (10)
Rory not having it all his way
As he opens up a leads on his playing partner McIlroy has the chance to inflict more pain by sinking another birdie.
The ball sneaks passed the whole by a mere inch or so.
So close for the Irishman....
Credit: Reuters