THE OPEN - Smith Surges Past McIlroy For Stunning Aussie Win

Australia’s Cameron Smith won the 150th British Open at St Andrews after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total.

Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par fourth round allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with a frustrated McIlroy ending another stroke back in third after a 70.

Without a single dropped shot, the world number six delivered on Sunday with eight birdies, including five in a row from the 10th, to win the Claret Jug.

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 his way.