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.
This story is from the August 2022 edition of Golf Asia.
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This story is from the August 2022 edition of Golf Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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