Open Championship golf 2022 – Cameron Smith wins 150th Open with record score to deny Rory McIlroy after epic battle

Updated 17/07/2022 at 18:39 GMT

The 150th Open Championship is shaping up for a thrilling finish after a stunning 3rd round on Saturday. Rory McIlroy got the biggest cheer of the week in holing a brilliant bunker shot at the 10th hole to catapult him into contention for the Claret Jug, but Norwegian Viktor Hovland joined the Northern Irishman in the overnight lead on -16 to set up an epic Sunday at the season's final major.

'Unbelievably cool to have the chance to win the Open at St Andrews' - McIlroy

The 150th Open Championship has reached its thrilling final day, with Rory McIlroy the main attraction after Tiger Woods missed the cut on the Old Course at St Andrews.

McIlroy heads into the closing 18 holes tied for the lead alongside Viktor Hovland after both impressed on Saturday with a pair of 66s carrying the European Ryder Cup duo four strokes clear of the field on -16.

The weather forecast suggests it won't be a duel in the sun, but a world-class chasing pack of Cameron Smith, Cameron Young, Si Woo Kim, Scottie Scheffler and Dustin Johnson will bring the heat as they look to pounce if the leaders falter.

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Cameron Smith of Australia poses with The Claret Jug in front of the 18th hole grandstand during Day Four of The 150th Open at St Andrews Old Course on July 17, 2022 in St Andrews, Scotland.

Image credit: Eurosport

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19:10 – A special Open champion

Cameron Smith carded rounds of 67, 64, 73 and 64 to emerge victorious. It was a dramatic afternoon, but nobody could deny Smith was the rightful champion.

He provided the key shots when they were needed most.

Thanks for joining us.

19:05 – 150TH OPEN FINAL LEADERBOARD

1 Cameron Smith -20 18
2 Cameron Young -19 18
3 Rory McIlroy -18 18
4 Tommy Fleetwood -14 18
4 Viktor Hovland -14 18

19:00 – Champion golfer of the year

That sounds good for Smith, who won the sport's unofficial 'fifth' major at the Players Championship in March, but now has golf's oldest major and the Claret Jug in his possession. Stunning scenes at the Old Course.

"I'm going to fall apart," said the emotional Brisbane professional, who was out in 34 before coming home in 30. "It was absolutely awesome out there. I think this played like an Open Championship should. Firm and fast and tough pins.

"This place is so cool. It is something I dreamt of. It is just awesome.

To look at these names on this trophy, it is unreal. I'm just lost for words. I'm going to find how many beers fit in this. That's for sure.

18:50 – What are the record totals around the Old Course?

A new record total at St Andrews has been set by Smith with this victory, eclipsing Tiger's -19 set over his 72 holes in 2000. Much was to do with the benign conditions, but Smith played immaculate golf to deny McIlroy his second Open.

2020 Cameron Smith 268 (-20)
2015 Zach Johnson 273 (-15)
2010 Louis Oosthuizen 272 (-16)
2005 Tiger Woods 274 (-14)
2000 Tiger Woods 269 (-19)
1995 John Daly 282 (-6)
1990 Nick Faldo 270 (-18)
1984 Seve Ballesteros 276 (-12)
1978 Jack Nicklaus 281 (-7)

18:50 – The man with the golden putter wins the 150th Open title

Cam Smith's 64 carried him to -20 while McIlroy recorded a round of 70 to finish 3rd on -18. Cameron Young finishes 2nd on -19 with a round of 65 after an eagle at the 72nd hole.

18:40 – Smith is the new Open Champion

Rory can't bundle that chip into the hole and Smith is the new Open champion. A fabulous round of 64. The first Australian to win the title since Greg Norman in 1993. What a performance from the man with the golden putter.

18:38 – Rory needs 2 at 18 to force a play-off

Constantino Rocco famously did it with a putt from off the 18th green in 1995 and now Rory needs to slot a chip in 2022. Otherwise Cameron Smith is the new Open champion.

18:35 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Cameron Smith -20 18
2 Cameron Young -19 18
3 Rory McIlroy -18 17
4 Viktor Hovland -14 17

18:32 – Smith on the cusp of glory here

Another magnificent putt from off the green. Will be a birdie at the 18th for Smith to move to -20. A round of 64. Young comes up with an eagle 2 to move to -19. To add to the drama. Rory can't hole his birdie putt on 17.

Smith moves to -20 with a 64. McIlroy needs a 2 on 18 to force a play-off. Well, this has been remarkable.

18:28 – Rory on the dance floor at 17

161 yards and McIlroy has dropped a glorious shot onto the green. Has 20 feet or so for a birdie 3 to tie Smith at the top. All going on out there.

18:26 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Cameron Smith -19 17
2 Rory McIlroy -18 16
3 Cameron Young -17 17
4 Viktor Hovland -14 16

18:24 – Smith with another epic putt on 17

Look at that putt from Smith. That is quite exceptional. About 14 foot. Just rolled it in quite magnificently. He remains at -19 heading for the 18th hole. McIlroy in the centre of the 17th fairway.

18:19 – McIlroy with a safe par on 16

Another fine putt from distance from McIlroy. Is a sound par. Hovland drops another shot to fall back to -14. Smith with a tricky putt on 17 off the green around the Road Hole after a pulled approach shot. He has around 14 feet for par. McIlroy still well in this ballgame on the penultimate hole.

18:12 – Booming drive by Cambo on 17th

The Aussie has crushed this drive down 17. Right down the middle. What a drive that is on the toughest hole at the Old Course. Under severe pressure. A 4 at the Road Hole and he can almost smell the Claret Jug. McIlroy with a solid pitch shot to around 20 on the 16th hole. Still in the fight out there.

18:10 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Cameron Smith -19 16
2 Rory McIlroy -18 15
3 Cameron Young -17 16
4 Viktor Hovland -15 15

18:05 – McIlroy makes par on 15

Another fine lag putt from Rory, but no birdie. He remains at -18, 1 stroke behind Smith. Cambo up ahead. Looks relaxed as Cameron Young ekes out a 4 from off the green to remain at -17. Another fine effort from Smith from distance. In goes the putt for 4. He leads by 1 shot.

18:01 – McIlroy hacks his ball onto the 15th green

Is a fair bit from the hole, but at least he has gouged the ball out of the rough and is onto the lawn. Can't afford to drop a shot now. Smith ideally placed on the 16th hole. Has played another wonderful approach shot into 16. Has chance of another birdie with his golden putter.

17:54 – Rory forced to settle for par on 14

Another mid-range putt toys with the idea of dropping, but not quite. And suddenly the four-shot lead at the start of Sunday has turned into a one-shot deficit.

Hovland looks finished on -15. McIlroy trails for the first time today at the 14th hole. He is -2, but Smith is -7. Another brilliant hole out putt from four feet. A timely par as he heads for the 16th hole.

Batten down the hatches. This could still go anyway.

17:45 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Cameron Smith -19 14
2 Rory McIlroy -18 13
3 Cameron Young -17 14
4 Viktor Hovland -15 13
5 Dustin Johnson -14 15

17:42 – Smith takes the outright lead

Well, this is so, so good. Five birdies in a row for Smith as he moves to -19. A quite magical long-distance putt and a tap-in follows. He is -7 for the day. Applying serious pressure to McIlroy in the group behind him.

17:36 – Smith with a spectacular 288-yard wood on 14

The Aussie is really applying the pressure out there. And then some. Through the back of the par-5 14th hole in two. Chance of another birdie to get to -19. McIlroy can't convert his birdie attempt at 13. Just short of pace He stays at -18 as Hovland drops a shot to fall back to -15. He is heading in the wrong direction at exactly the wrong time.

Mr Smith is looking ominously good in the calm Scottish winds.

17:26 – Smith joins McIlroy in lead

No birdie for Rory as Cam Smith remains one behind the Northern Irishman up ahead on 13. Hovland with a delightful chip and putt for birdie at 12 as he returns to level par for his 4th round on -16. Then Smith slots another birdie on 13 to join McIlroy in the lead. All happening out there.

Birdies on 10, 11, 12 and 13 to reach -18. Young with a birdie of his own on 13 to move to -16. All getting very tight at the top.

17:20 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Rory McIlroy -18 11
2 Cameron Smith -17 12
2 Viktor Hovland -15 11
2 Cameron Young -15 12
5 Dustin Johnson -13 13

17:14 – Another birdie from Smith

This is genuine quality from the Players champion. Three straight birdies on 10, 11 and 12 and the Aussie has moved to -17, one behind McIlroy. Smith at -5 for his day. Which is seriously good.

17:08 – Hovland keeps hopes alive

Vital that he escaped from the 10th with a par. And does with two brilliant par putts. Both leaders knock their tee shots onto the 11th green before negotiating another couple of testing putts. McIlroy stays 2 clear of Smith and 3 ahead of Hovland.

17:00 – McIlroy with magic putt on 10

156 feet putt from Rory on the 10th. Comes up stone dead. And that is a birdie to get him to -18. Hovland toiling to save par from short of the green. But Cameron Smith is making his move with another brilliant birdie on 11 to reach -16. Is Hovland a spent force?

16:58 – Camerons close the gap

Well, the threat to McIlroy may yet come from his line of sight. A couple of fine birdie 3s on the 10th hole from messrs Smith and Young respectively and they make the move to -15, two off the pace alongside big Viktor. McIlroy on the dance floor, but a fair bit away at 10 with Hovland just short.

16:53 – Hovland out in 37, McIlroy maintains lead

Has been an indifferent opening 9 from the Norwegian player. McIlroy has putt for a birdie, but can't make it. About 12 feet or so from the pitch shot, but can't convert. Out in 35. Rory with a two-shot lead after 63 holes of the tournament.

16:48 – DJ on the move

A birdie at 11 from the former world No. 1 and he is trending upwards. Moves to -13 and up to 5th spot.

16:42 – Bogey 5 for Young

After reaching -15 with birdie on 7, Young slams his drive into trouble off the tee. Takes a penalty stroke from a gorse bush and that costs him a shot. He is out in 34. -14 for the tournament alongside Cameron Smith, who pars the 9th to remain on the same total.

16:35 – Rory maintains lead

Two putts from the leading duo on the 8th green. Safely into the can. McIlroy -1 for the day, Hovland +1. Up ahead on 9 finds Young in a spot of bother. So perhaps he is going to drop one shot here. Rory has not been in any bother so far.

16:29 – Young saves par on 8th

Tricky couple of par putts for the Cameron duo, but both drop with the leaders watching from behind them on the tee. McIlroy finds the heart of the green. Fair bit from the hole, but safely on the dance floor. 208 yards and Viktor is about 50 foot away. Key putts coming up.

16:21 – Young joins Hovland in second spot

A fine birdie on 7 from the US rookie. The 1st round leader is -3 for the day so far after bogey at the 1st. McIlroy and Hovland with two more pars on the 7th hole. The chasing pack are definitely making ground out there.

16:18 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Rory McIlroy -17 6
2 Viktor Hovland -15 6
3 Cameron Smith -14 6
3 Cameron Young -14 6
5 Adam Scott -12 9
5 Dustin Johnson -12 8
5 Jordan Spieth -12 10
5 Tommy Fleetwood -12 8
5 Si Woo Kim -12 7

16:08 – McIlroy with a solid par on 6

Not doing anything spectacular, but at the moment all he needs are pars. A birdie putt narrowly eludes him on 6, but it is another safe par. He is two clear on -17 of Hovland, who could not find the birdie to reduce the gap.

16:06 – Rory's distance control

It helps when you are in control of your golf ball.

16:00 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Rory McIlroy -17 5
2 Viktor Hovland -15 5
3 Cameron Smith -14 6
3 Cameron Young -14 6
5 Adam Scott -12 8
5 Dustin Johnson -12 7
5 Tommy Fleetwood -12 7

15:56 – McIlroy safely in with a birdie at 5

That is the sort of birdie you like. A tap-in for McIlroy to move to -17. Hovland can't find his birdie as the gap suddenly doubles to two strokes. Testing times for the Norwegian player.

15:51 – McIlroy with eagle chance on 5

Could be making a big move in next few minutes. 18 feet or so for an eagle at the par 5, Hovland suffered bad break with his lie from the drive. But will have a birdie putt from 15 feet to get back to level for the day.

15:43 – Who is making moves in chasing pack?

Cameron Smith and Cameron Young are locked together in third on -13. Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott share 5th place on -12. So a few players are circling if there are any errors from the lead group.

15:37 – Hovland struggling for par

He's left his 2nd shot about 80 feet from the 4th hole. Safe par from McIlroy as he tickles his birdie putt down to the hole. Hovland can't find the par saver. Poor 2nd shot and he drops back to -15. McIlroy will have the outright lead on the 5th hole.

15:30 – Hovland out with the big stick on 4

And he has absolutely destroyed that drive. Long way down there. Rory with a drive and an 8 iron to 173. In decent shape at 25 feet. Hovland a fair bit from the pin with his second shot. In three-putt country. Interesting putts coming up.

15:23 – McIlroy misses chance to move clear

Hovland with a swerving putt that eluded him from 15 feet, but McIlroy can't capitalise as he nudges an 8 footer left. He seemed to hit at that a bit and it didn't break back. Missed chance. Both men remain at -16 after 3 holes. Still a fair amount of tension out there.

15:14 – Lead duo negotiate 2nd hole

Both leaders with two more safe pars on the 2nd hole. Rory threatened the hole with his putt from around 20 feet, but just short of pace. On then to the 3rd hole at -16. No fireworks as yet from the pacesetters.

15:10 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Rory McIlroy -16 1
2 Viktor Hovland -16 1
3 Cameron Smith -13 2
4 Dustin Johnson -11 3
4 Tyrrell Hatton -11 7
4 Abraham Ancer -11 18
4 Si Woo Kim -11 2
4 Scottie Scheffler -11 2
4 Sadom Kaewkanjana -5 18
4 Cameron Young -11 2

15:05 – Smith on the move

A quite delightful approach shot to the 2nd hole by the Players champion. A birdie guaranteed and he makes a notable step forward to -13, 3 strokes behind the leaders.

15:00 – No birdies on opening hole

Both leaders with decent efforts. Gave the hole every chance, but no birdies yet. Onto the 2nd hole. As you were then for the European Ryder Cup colleagues after 55 holes of this great tournament.

14:55 – Hovland hovers over the pin

That is a brilliant shot from the Norwegian player. Right at the pin from 100 yards. Will have 15 feet or so for birdie. Rory a bit further away. Both obvious birdie chances.

14:50 – And we are off and running

Well, walking. In Rory's case it is bounding down the 1st fairway. No birdies for the Cameron duo up ahead. Rory and Viktor safely on the fairway. Cameron Young has just dropped a shot at the 1st with an untimely three putt. Back to -11.

14:43 – Scheffler misses birdie chance on 1

Decent effort from 18 feet or so, but doesn't drop. Kim also goes close. No birdies there. The final group are out on the putting green next to the first tee. Almost ready to go with this sporting epic. The tension is palpable.

14:40 – Scheffler safely down the 1st hole

World No. 1 produces a delightful approach shot at the first hole. Birdie chance for Scottie to close to within four of the leaders. Si Woo Kim responds with a classy wedge of his own. Obvious chances for opening birdies.

14:27 – Colin Montgomerie backing 'Tiger-esque' McIlroy

"It is a duel but there's one winner. Rory's going to win this and I'll tell you why," the former world No. 2 told the BBC. "I truly believe that Viktor Hovland thinks that Rory is better than him. Controversial it might be.

"Although he was ahead coming down the last few holes, you somehow felt that Rory was going to catch him, even with his bogey on 17. Somehow Viktor was hanging on with big putts at the start and putting extremely well.

"I don't think that's going to happen today. Viktor's a fantastic player, great guy. I think he'll finish second.

"I think this is Rory's day. I think the thing about Rory now, in a Tiger-esque way. I finished second to him in 2005. Did I think I would beat him in a round at St Andrews? Deep down? If I was honest with you, I'd say no."

14:20 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Rory McIlroy -16 14:50
2 Viktor Hovland -16 14:50
3 Cameron Smith -12 14:40
3 Cameron Young -12 14:40
5 Si Woo Kim -11 14:30
5 Scottie Scheffler -11 14:30
5 Sadom Kaewkanjana -10 16

14:10 – Best round of the day

Goes to American Sam Burns, who carded a fabulous 64 to move from +2 to -6 for the Open Championship, moving up 41 places. His bogey-free round included four birdies on the final four holes. That is quite an achievement to bring up at the 19th hole tonight.

14:00 – What challenge does the Old Course provide?

Take a look at what to expect today from the sport's spiritual home.

‘A greater impact on the game than any course in history’ - Hole-by-hole guide to the Old Course

13:50 – What prize money is on offer at the Open?

1st: £2,110,000
2nd: £1,230,000
3rd: £787,040
4th: £611,580
5th: £491,800

13:45 – Bob the Builder

Can he fix it? Yes, he can. Robert MacIntyre emulating Shane Lowry yesterday with a second eagle today. He is -4 for the day, -7 for the tournament on the 15th hole.

13:35 – What are the winning totals around the Old Course?

Mentioned this yesterday, but worth taking note because the record of Tiger Woods in 2000 is under threat today.

2015 Zach Johnson 273 (-15)
2010 Louis Oosthuizen 272 (-16)
2005 Tiger Woods 274 (-14)
2000 Tiger Woods 269 (-19)
1995 John Daly 282 (-6)
1990 Nick Faldo 270 (-18)
1984 Seve Ballesteros 276 (-12)
1978 Jack Nicklaus 281 (-7)

13:25 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Rory McIlroy -16 14:50
2 Viktor Hovland -16 14:50
3 Cameron Smith -12 14:40
3 Cameron Young -12 14:40
5 Si Woo Kim -11 14:30
5 Scottie Scheffler -11 14:30

13:15 – Key Sunday tee times

14:00 Patrick Cantlay (US), Jordan Spieth (US)
14:10 Adam Scott (Aus), Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng)
14:20 Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Dustin Johnson (US)
14:30 Scottie Scheffler (US), Si Woo Kim (Kor)
14:40 Cameron Smith (Aus), Cameron Young
14:50 Rory McIlroy (NIr), Viktor Hovland (Nor)

13:05 – Mastering the art of target golf

Enjoy this little beauty from major specialist Will Zalatoris. He always shows up at these blue-chip events.

13:00 – 'Expect the unexpected'

Rory McIlroy is wary of predicting a two-way duel for the Claret Jug on Sunday despite the four-shot difference splitting the leading duo and the chasing pack.

12:55 – What is happening out there?

Fair to say, the title will be decided much later on this afternoon, but some nice scoring from last week's Scottish Open champion Xander Schauffele, who has reached -8. He is -3 for his first 3 holes of the 4th round. Heading in the right direction.

12:50 – Hovland 'living the dream' at home of golf

'I have to pinch myself' - Hovland reacts to sharing lead at the Open

12:45 – Rory on prospect of winning a second Open at Old Course

'Unbelievably cool to have the chance to win the Open at St Andrews' - McIlroy

12:40 – 150TH OPEN LATEST LEADERBOARD

1 Rory McIlroy -16 14:50
2 Viktor Hovland -16 14:50
3 Cameron Smith -12 14:40
3 Cameron Young -12 14:40
5 Si Woo Kim -11 14:30
5 Scottie Scheffler -11 14:30

12:30 – Welcome back to St Andrews for the final day

Could be quite something out there today. Leaders Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland will head out for the final round at 14:50pm. Both European Ryder Cup colleagues at -16 after recording rounds of 66 on Saturday.

Will it be one of them crowned winner of the 150th Open Championship? Or will it come from further back with Cameron Smith, Cameron Young, Scottie Scheffler, Si Woo Kim and Dustin Johnson retaining a serious interest in this tournament.

We should know between 7pm and 8pm this evening. Should be an enthralling few hours ahead.

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