Open 2022 Live: Leaderboard and scores Cameron Smith beats Rory McIlroy Claret Jugg

“All the hard work we’ve put in over the last couple of years is starting to pay off,” says an emotional Smith, who spent two years away from family in Australia because of the pandemic. “It’s definitely worth it.”

He thanks the R&A: “This is how an open, firm and fast, plays with hard pins. It was wonderful there. “

And he thanked the fans at St Andrews, “especially the Aussies, you keep me going.”

“I had a great opportunity to add to my major and I didn’t do it.

“I don’t feel like I did a lot of things wrong, but the putter was going really cold on me throughout the round. I did what I wanted to do and I played a very controlled round of golf.

“When Cam Smith went for that drive on the back nine, I had to dig deep to make some birdies and I just couldn’t. I was beaten by the best player this week. It was a hell of a shot to go out and shoot a 64 at St. Andrew’s to win an Open Championship. Hats off to Cam, he had an incredible week. .

“I know I can do it. I love this course, I’m playing well here. I’ve finished third in the last two Opens here. It’s coming. I’m knocking on the door, I just have to be patient and eventually one will open for me.

Here’s how the leaderboard finished, with Smith taking out Young as one:

McIlroy salutes the crowd after falling:

A birdie at the end wasn’t McIlroy’s, but it was enough to hold off his partner Cameron Young, who eventually tied for second on 18 with that eagle.

McIlroy hammers the chip at the flag but it bounces wide and past, and Cameron Smith is the Open champion.

So, McIlroy must force this tricky chip into a play-off or it’s all over…

McIlroy knows he needs two on the 18th. He tries to drive the green, but it comes up short and he needs a sensational pitch or a long putt to force a play-off. Smith has one hand on a claret jug.

McIlroy marches to the 18th tee. Up the green, Smith judges another brilliant putt beautifully and taps for birdie. Then Young makes his eagle putt! So Young finished at 19-under, and Smith finished at 20-under-par with a 64 in his final round. Just hype, putting on an exhibition.

He launches it to the left and it doesn’t convert – par with McIlroy on 17. agony