Cameron Smith
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| While playing with Phil Mickelson in the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster competition, Cameron Smith easily won. Image: Getty |
After defeating his playing partner Phil Mickelson and the rest of the LIV Golf field to win his third championship on the Saudi-sponsored circuit, Cameron Smith had more than seven million reasons to be happy. The Australian golfing superstar dominated by seven shots to win the LIV Golf Bedminster tournament in New Jersey and walk away with the $US4 million (A6.16 million) winner's check.
Smith received an additional $US750,000 ($A1.15 million) when his side, Ripper GC, won the team's competition by an impressive margin of 11 shots with a stunning score of 20-under. Smith's profits for the year increased to $US13.6 million ($A20.93 million) thanks to the $A7.31 million windfall, making it the Australian's second triumph in as many months.
The 29-year-old's most recent victory, which followed victories at LIV Golf International Chicago in September and LIV Golf London last month, was his eighth in the previous 19 months and third on the Saudi-sponsored circuit. The 2022 British Open winner finished on 12-under after shooting a final-round three-under-par 68. Indian Anirban Lahiri, who shot a final-round 70, finished in a distant second place at 5-under.
Before switching to LIV Golf, where ranking points are not formally recognized, Smith climbed as high as No. 2 in the world. The Australian is now ranked No. 8 in the world, but going on his current form, it seems like he should be higher up.
Phil Mickelson's playing partner Cameron Smith performs better.
The Australian's most recent victory occurred in the same final-round group as Phil Mickelson, who was defeated by Smith in front of Greg Norman, a golfing hero. The famous Australian was beaming with pride as he watched a fellow countryman compete against a legendary athlete.
Norman described Smith's triumph as "unreal." It's advantageous to be playing against one of the best players of all time and another Australian.
Cameron Smith is thrilled for his Australian buddy after a huge payout.
Jed Morgan (66) is in 27th place at three over par, followed by Matt Jones (70), who is one stroke behind, and fellow Australian Marc Leishman (71), who is tied for seventh at two under par. "Yeah, that was a good day," Smith said before praising Morgan, who on Sunday contributed five under par to earn himself a life-changing $US945,000 ($A1.45 million).
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| After winning the tournament at LIV Golf Bedminster, Cameron Smith raises the trophy in the air. Image: AAP |
"We all understand that Jed has that ability, which is why he is on the squad. He's one of the greatest young Australians coming through, and we want him to be a long-term member of the Ripper's (team), Smith said. "It's encouraging to see him doing well since he's had a lengthy season; hopefully, this spurs him on.
Smith's win propelled the Queenslander to the top of the individual rankings with three races left until his championship defense in Chicago next month. The Queenslander is aiming to win the 2023 title, which would earn him a further $US18 million ($A27.7 million) bonus.
Miami will host the LIV Golf season's last event from October 20 to 22. To win the 2023 championship, Smith stated, "Absolutely, that was the goal since the start of the year with at least a shot at it with one tournament to go."
"This week, I'm checking a box in that section. However, there are still a few weeks remaining, so go down and keep the festivities in Miami.