UPDATE: In a thrilling finish at the 2025 Australian Open, Rasmus Neergard-Petersen captured his first major professional title, stunning hometown favorite Cam Smith with a final score of 15-under 269. The decisive moment came just moments ago on the last hole at Melbourne, Australia, where Neergard-Petersen secured a par, leaving Smith heartbroken as he missed a crucial putt to force a playoff.
With both players tied at 15-under heading into the final hole, the tension was palpable. Neergard-Petersen’s drive found the rough, while Smith managed to land on the green. However, Smith faltered with a long putt and ultimately missed a 1.5-meter return putt that would have kept his championship hopes alive.
Neergard-Petersen’s victory came through rounds of 67, 66, 66, and 70, showcasing his resilience throughout the tournament. “It’s hard. I’m really at a loss for words. It’s been a battle all day,” he shared in a post-match interview. “Even from the outside, you can look calm but it was a storm inside all day.”
For Smith, this loss stings deeply. The 2022 British Open champion ended a dismal streak of missing seven consecutive cuts earlier in the week and expressed his desire to reclaim his winning form. “It’s been a while since I’ve had this feeling to be honest,” he admitted, reflecting on his journey back to contention.
The tournament also marked the return of Rory McIlroy, who finished tied for 10th after a final round of 69. McIlroy, a past champion of the Australian Open, called for better scheduling to attract more top players in the future. “There need to be conversations had with people much more important than me that set the schedules,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of the tournament’s visibility.
Neergard-Petersen’s win not only earns him the coveted Stonehaven Cup but also secures him a place in the upcoming Masters tournament next year. The top three finishers not already exempt will qualify for the British Open in 2026 at Royal Birkdale.
As the dust settles on this heart-stopping final, golf fans around the world are left buzzing. Neergard-Petersen’s triumph is a significant moment in his career, while Smith’s journey continues with renewed determination. The implications of this tournament will resonate within the golfing community as the new season unfolds.
Stay tuned for more updates and reactions from the players as they reflect on this exhilarating championship.
