Heartbreak for Rory at St Andrews

Australian Cameron Smith (-20) claimed the Open Championship title, his first major win, by one stroke from American Cameron Young (-19), as Rory McIlroy finished third (-18).

Smith had to make a three-foot birdie putt at the last to avoid a play-off with the American while four-time major winner Rory, who won The Open in 2014, led overnight by four shots alongside Viktor Hovland, closed with a two-under 70.

What an effort from Rory McIlroy at #The150thOpen

Thank you for the memories created throughout a special week at the Old Course ❤️ pic.twitter.com/zZx3nTHDxA

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2022

Rory told the BBC

"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."

"Both Camerons, but especially Smith, went on a run on the back nine. I had to dig deep to make some birdies and I couldn't."

"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."