World reacts to ‘unbelievable’ Cam Smith after Aussie’s astonishing Open win

Australians everywhere are raving about Cameron Smith and the rest of the world is jumping on the bandwagon after his stunning Open win.

Paige Spiranac was one of many to react to Cam Smith's incredible win. Photo: Getty Images/Instagram.

Cameron Smith dedicated his first major triumph at the British Open to the crowd of Australian fans who roared him to victory at St Andrews on Monday morning.

The world number six produced a stunning final round of 64 to match the Open record of 20-under-par.

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Smith needed every stroke as his playing partner Cameron Young finished just one shot back, while crowd favourite Rory McIlroy was third on 18-under.

“I had a lot of support out there, especially the Aussie guys, you guys really kept me going out there,” Smith said as he was presented with the Claret Jug.

“It seemed like there was a lot of you guys out there, you kept me plugging away so this one is for Aus!”

Smith won $AUD3.7 million in prize money and delivered an all-Aussie reaction to having the Claret Jug in his possession, saying in a TV interview: “I’m definitely going to find out how many beers fit in this thing, that’s for sure.”

🗣 WHADDDD pic.twitter.com/uPJ4djwMxS

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) July 17, 2022

‘Congrats to myself’: Cheeky call as world reacts to ‘unbelievable’ Smith

Fellow Australians and golf fans from overseas were in awe of Smith. Former pro turned golf influencer and podcaster Paige Spiranac picked the Queenslander to win the tournament before it got underway and was pretty chuffed with her prediction, reacting to his victory with a cheeky call.

“Congrats to Cam Smith for a historic win. And congrats to myself for picking him to win,” she tweeted.

“Now think of how much money guys would make if they only turned on the sound during my videos.”

British broadcaster Piers Morgan tweeted: “Cam Smith is one ice cool dude.

“That’s one of the greatest rounds of golf even St Andrews @TheHomeofGolf has ever seen. Congrats to Cameron Smith, a worthy @TheOpen champion — he had to be brilliant to beat Rory, and he was.”

American podcaster and sports media personality Bill Simmons said: “Cam Smith’s last 10-11 holes is some of the best golf I’ve ever seen. That was like watching Steph (Curry) get hot in a playoff game.”

English football legend Gary Lineker added: “Unbelievable performance from Cameron Smith. One of the greatest rounds in #TheOpen history. What a player. Congratulations.”

Victory never tasted so sweet. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Paige Spiranac tipped the Aussie to win. Photo: Instagram.

Closer to home and there was plenty of love for Smith, who had come agonisingly close to winning a major in recent years without being able to finish the job — until now.

The 28-year-old finished second at the 2020 Masters and was tied for third at Augusta this year. After sealing the biggest win of his career this morning, Australia went wild.

Sportscaster Andy Maher tweeted: “It’s one of the all-time great performances. Thanks Cameron Smith. We’ll sleep with smiles on our faces after that.”

Legendary cricket commentator Jim Maxwell wrote: “What a brilliant round from an exceptional, composed golfer. The best Oz win at the Open? His putting was outrageously good.”

Tennis great Tood Woodbridge added: “Legend status for #CameronSmith @TheOpen champion #amazing.”

TV presenter Neroli Meadows said: “Seriously though … to shoot a 64 to win The Open in the 150th year as your first major title … that is some serious composure with the whole world watching. That’s a moment.”

Former AFL player Neil Cordy tweeted: “I’m so glad I got up to watch Cam Smith. It was one of the best rounds of golf I’ve ever seen.”

NRL commentator Warren Smith called it a “phenomenal performance” by Smith.

Take a bow, Cam. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Crushed rival all class after falling short

McIlroy was devastated not to emerge on top but was all class afterwards, praising Smith for his brilliant final round.

Despite not dropping a shot, the Irishman was left to regret a series of birdie putts slipping by the hole as his 70 to reach 18-under-par was still two shots behind Smith’s record-equalling tally at a British Open.

“I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an Open Championship at St Andrews is one hell of a showing, so hats off to Cam, he’s had an unbelievable week,” said McIlroy.

The world number two was in pole position to win his second British Open as he shared the overnight lead with Viktor Hovland, four shots clear of Smith.

But the 33-year-old’s wait to add to the four majors he won between 2011 and 2014 goes on.

“I had a great opportunity today to add to that major tally and I didn’t quite get it done,” added McIlroy.

“I didn’t feel like I did many things wrong, but the putter went cold on me throughout the round.

“I did what I wanted to do. I played a really controlled round of golf. I didn’t take advantage of the holes I had been taking advantage of this week.”

Rory McIlroy missed a golden chance to win another major. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Smith joins prestigious Aussie group

Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par fourth round allowed him to finish a shot clear of Young of the United States.

The world number six would have known something special was needed on the final day for him to win the Claret Jug and he duly delivered with eight birdies — including five in a row from the 10th — and not a single dropped shot.

McIlroy had been the favourite coming into the week and was two shots clear and in control at the turn in his final round, but then Smith set off on his birdie surge and the pendulum swung definitively his way.

At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three decades to win the British Open since Greg Norman claimed his second Claret Jug at Royal St George’s in 1993.

The Brisbane native with the trademark mullet is also the third Australian to win the Open at the home of golf, after Peter Thomson in 1955 and Kel Nagle, who won the Open in 1960.

“To win an Open Championship in itself is going to be a golfer’s highlight but to do it around St Andrews is unbelievable,” he said.

“This place is so cool. I love the golf course and the town.”

Smith’s 20-under-par total of 268 is the lowest winning score in an Open at St Andrews, bettering the performance of Tiger Woods, who won on 19-under in 2000.

With AFP