A man named Smith makes history

ST. ANDREWS, Scotland — The words rolled down the 18th fairway of this famous course on a particularly historic occasion.

It was Martin Slumbers, chairman of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, with the annual presentation of the Open winner, “the Champion golfer of the year.” Enlightening words for Cam Smith.

Depressing words for Rory McIlroy. Rory had gone eight years without winning a major championship, and he thought — everybody thought — he had this one, holding the lead until the final 18. But golf can be nothing but sorrow.

Smith, the 28-year-old Australian, did what champions do. He came from off the pace and shot an 8-under-par 64. His playing partner, Cameron Young, shot a 65. McIlroy, the presumptive winner, and certainly from the cheers, the fans’ choice, shot a 2-under 70.

“I didn’t make any putts today” said McIlroy, which is one of the reasons he has had his drought in trying to get his fifth major.

“I’ll be back,” he told SKY Sports, a bit grimly. McIlroy finished second in the Masters and has played well all year, but couldn’t get over the mountain.

Smith is not exactly a surprise. He has won several tournaments including The Players — if that is not a major, and it isn’t, the golfers consider it the next best thing.

Perhaps, because this Open with all the fanfare was at The Home of Golf, there were expectations for a notably exciting champion.

Indeed Smith, with his floppy hat and Australian savoir faire, may be one of the coming greats. On a day that began with light showers and then changed to typical Scottish gloom, Smith showed his talent and persistence.

He has been a comer for a couple of years, and now he can be considered to be a full force. Any Open gives one cachet, and taking the 150th at St. Andrews unquestionably gives the golfer a special place in the game.

The strength of Smith’s game is in his putting. Anybody who can get the ball into the cup is going to be a factor.

“All the hard work we’ve done the last couple years is really starting to pay off,” Smith said to his team, with the trophy in his grip and the tears starting to come. “And this one definitely makes it worth it.”

But Smith, after recomposing himself, made it clear that he intended to put the claret jug to good use, although not at the moment for claret.

“I’m definitely going to find out how many beers fit in this thing, that’s for sure,” he said.

How come Australia, a wine country, drinks so much beer?