Even Cameron Smith looked uncertain.
When the Australian drained his sixth birdie of the most incredible back nine you are likely to see, he at first punched the air but then glanced nervously at the scoreboard, seeking confirmation that he had indeed just compiled one of the greatest rounds in Open Championship history.
On a week that started with a Celebration of Champions, the last day of the 150th Open was a celebration of golf as Smith’s play was near-flawless.His driving was crisp, his approach play accurate and his putting deadly, the quality, efficiency and consistency of his play the ultimate ambition of anyone who picks up a club.In 64 strokes and 4½ hours, he went around the Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland and snatched the Claret Jug with his 20-under-par total, the joint-lowest score to par in Open history.“I knew it wasn't going to be too long before I got one of these,” he said. “I've knocked on the door, I think, maybe one too many times now, so it's nice to get it done.“I knew my game was there. I felt really comfortable. At the end of last week, I started playing some really good golf. I just really needed to keep doing what I was doing.”On the back nine, that’s exactly what he did.
A birdie at 10 got the party started, and further putts dropped on 11, 12, 13 and 14. It was ruthless.But it was on the 17th where he really passed the test, getting up and down at the infamous Road Hole by sinking an ice-cold 12-foot putt for par.It was a far cry from Saturday, when he posted a disappointing 73 in the third round that was pockmarked by poor putting. But that’s what champions do. They come back stronger.To read more on Cameron Smith’s triumph in the 150th Open, click HERE.
The R&A