World falls in love with $5m champion Cam Smith after lovely family moment

He pulled off a bonkers final day assault to win the most lucrative prize in golf but Cam Smith’s winner’s interview made the world love him more.

Great scenes from Cam Smith. Photo: Twitter

Aussie golfer Cam Smith was ice cold as he won the $AUD27.8m Players Championship title but the mulleted star quickly melted in interviews after the event.

Smith is the fifth Aussie to claim the title known as the “fifth major”, following Greg Norman (1994), Steve Elkington (1997), Adam Scott (2004) and Jason Day (2016).

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Competing for the biggest ever prize pool in PGA Tour history, Smith won the $5 million winner’s cheque, finishing one stroke ahead of India’s Anirban Lahiri after a stunning final round.

He also gets entry into the Players Championship for the next five years and entry into all four majors for the next three years. Smith jumps to No. 6 in the world rankings for good measure too.

Smith finished 13-under for the tournament, rampaging through the final day with a six-under 66, making up two stroke on Lahiri to claim the victory.

The 28-year-old also held his nerve at the end, landing the ball between the flag and the water on the 17th.

ICE IN HIS VEINS

Cameron Smith went flag hunting at 17 😮 pic.twitter.com/NsAmFd7GYu

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 14, 2022

Aussie PGA Tour broadcaster Luke Elvy tweeted of the ballsy move: “Stop it!! Who takes that flag on?”

But not only that, Smith landed his ball on the 18th in the water before recovering to shoot a bogey with a clutch putt.

Despite showing barely any emotion as he landed the biggest winner’s cheque of his career, the unflappable star finally broke when he was asked about his mum and sister who had come to watch his performance.

Smith, who lives near the TPC Sawgrass course in Florida, lost his composure in an emotional interview after his victory when talking about his family.

Having been separated for more than two years because of Covid, Smith’s mother Sharon and sister Melisa were able to witness his stunning victory.

Smith's mum and sister were able to be there for the first time in over two years. Photo Twitter

‘Yeah, I mean, I haven’t seen them in two years … sorry,” Smith said as he choked up. “It’s really cool to have them here.

“My main priority really was to hang out with them and golf was second for these few weeks so it’s nice to see them and nice to get a win for them.”

Win for Cameron Smith.

Win for his family 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/uaqYIDFsLR

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 14, 2022

Smith was also asked about his family during his winner’s interview.

“It was unreal (having them there),” he said. “I haven’t seen them for two-and-a-half years. Golf really took a back seat the last couple of weeks and it was nice to get this for them.

“I didn’t spend much time at the golf course last week, I spent a lot of time here this week obviously but it was so nice. It’s really nice to have them here, nice to give mum a hug.”

Smith held it together, just barely. Photo: Twitter

What a man Cam Smith is. Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images

‘Best anybody’s ever putted here’: World reacts to awesome Aussie

While Smith is usually stoic, his emotions getting the best of him just made fans love the Queenslander even more.

He earned plenty of praise for both his performance and his reaction to the biggest win of his career.

Former American golfer turned commentator Brandel Chamblee told NBC: “This is the best anybody’s ever putted here in the history of The Players Championship … he matched great ball-striking with extraordinary putting. It was just one of the greatest examples of great nerve from start to finish that I’ve seen.”

NBC sportscaster Dan Hicks said: “What is it about these easygoing Aussies that seem to handle the pressure of this Championship? Now five different players from Down Under (have won).”

PGA gold writer Ben Everill tweeted: “Cam Smith is getting more emotional then I’ve ever seen talking about having his mum and sister here for first time in 2.5 years.”

PGA content producer Celia Palermo also loved the sentiment from Smith.

“It’s not the purse. Nor the challenge of a week full of chaos. Nor the prestige that comes with a @THEPLAYERSChamp win. But having his family there to witness this career moment that clearly impacts Cam Smith the most. ️ THIS is why we love this game,” she wrote.

Former Victorian politician Philip Dalidakis added: “Cam Smith is such an incredible player and in a world of prima donnas, he’s a pretty special person, a great ambassador for himself, his family & Australia. And now he is @THEPLAYERSChamp.”

Freelance sports journalist Tim Tucker wrote: “Cam Smith … brilliant. Did we hear right? 42 one-putts for the week. Family-first, golf second. A grounded, authentic champion.”

Golf.com’s Luke Kerr Dineen said: “Congrats to Cam Smith on becoming the first golfer in history to win the Players in a flat brim, sketchy moustache, mullet and white belt. With that combo, the rest of the field never stood a chance.”

ABC Sports reporter Dean Bilton tweeted: “Confirmed push. Must be nice when a mis-hit wins you literally the biggest pay out in golf history. But Cam Smith deserves it because he’s an absolute baller and just about the best bloke in golf.”