Smith rallies to defeat McIlroy, win first major

BRITISH OPEN

Cameron Smith of Australia kisses the claret jug trophy after winning the British Open on Sunday. PETER MORRISON — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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By Doug Ferguson

The Associated Press

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland >> The stage at St. Andrews was all set for Rory McIlroy.

The show belonged to Cameron Smith, and so did that silver claret jug he won in a Sunday stunner at the British Open with the best closing round the Old Course had ever seen.

Smith was four shots behind at the start as a record crowd was eager to see McIlroy cap off a week of celebrations at the 150th Open in style. He was three behind when he made the turn.

And then the plucky Australian with his magical putter ran off five straight birdies to take the lead, stared down a nervy putt around the edge of the nefarious Road Hole bunker to save par and finished with two putts from 80 feet for birdie for an 8-under 64.

“To win an Open Championship in itself is probably going to be a golfer’s highlight in their career,” Smith said. “To do it around St. Andrews I think is just unbelievable.”