In a dramatic and heart-stopping finish at Royal Melbourne, Cameron Smith's long-held dream of winning the Australian Open was shattered by a miraculous final-hole performance from Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen.
A Final Hole For The Ages
The stage was set for a classic showdown on Sunday, with Smith and Neergaard-Petersen locked together at 15 under par as they approached the 18th tee. The Queenslander appeared to seize the advantage when his second shot found the green, while his rival's approach veered right into the thick rough between the bunkers.
What happened next will be etched into Australian Open folklore. Facing a near-impossible lie, the 26-year-old Dane conjured a magical chip shot that settled within ten feet of the cup. He then calmly sank the putt, completing what commentator Brenton Speed described on Fox Sports as "an up-and-down for the ages."
Former professional Alison Whitaker was equally awestruck, remarking the recovery shot was "almost plaque-worthy." Under immense pressure, Smith could only three-putt from long range for a bogey, handing Neergaard-Petersen a one-shot victory.
Smith's Elusive Stonehaven Cup
For Cameron Smith, the defeat extends a frustrating winless streak that dates back to LIV Golf Bedminster in August 2023. The 32-year-old, who has triumphed three times at the Australian PGA Championship, has been vocal about his desire to claim the Australian Open title above all others outside the major championships.
This near-miss at Royal Melbourne adds to the Queenslander's close call at Royal Sydney in 2016, where he lost in a playoff to American star Jordan Spieth. His final round of two-under 69 was ultimately not enough to withstand the Danish challenger's nerve.
Life-Changing Victory Secures Masters Debut
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen's triumph carries significance far beyond the Stonehaven Cup. The victory earns him a coveted invitation to the 2026 US Masters at Augusta National, securing his debut in the world's most iconic golf tournament.
"A life-changing week," declared Speed, who also noted the joy for the winner's Australian caddie. Korean golfer Si Woo Kim bogeyed the last hole to finish in outright third at 13 under par.
Elsewhere in the field, tournament drawcard Rory McIlroy experienced a rollercoaster final day. The Northern Irishman carded a two-under 69, mixing five birdies with three bogeys, to finish tied for 14th at seven under. He confirmed he will return to Melbourne's sandbelt for the 2026 Australian Open at Kingston Heath.
Australian crowd favourite Min Woo Lee also finished at seven under, after a disappointing final round of three-over 74.
