Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Cameron Smith couldn’t find the final-round spark to ignite a challenge to win his first individual title since 2023 as Tyrrell Hatton held firm, keeping local hero Jon Rahm at bay, to triumph in the LIV Andalucia tournament at Valderrama.
Rejuvenated Queenslander Smith had been hoping for a charge on Sunday’s (Monday AEST) final day, still believing he was playing well enough to claw back five shots on overnight pacesetter Hatton at the tough Spanish Ryder Cup venue.
But though he holed a 29-footer for eagle on the long fourth hole, Smith could only put together a level-par round of 71, a mixed bag featuring that eagle, two birdies and four bogeys which was never likely to trouble the in-form Hatton.
Instead, as the Englishman carded a 70 to finish his first tournament since his wife gave birth to their baby daughter, it was the familiar figure of his European Ryder Cup and Legion XIII teammate Rahm who gave him the biggest scare before Hatton prevailed by two strokes to pocket the $4 million winner’s cheque.
“To be honest, I thought no matter how today went, I’m still going to be home tonight, and I’ll walk into a crying newborn, and I’ll be doing nappies tonight,” smiled Hatton. “That was going to happen regardless.
“I’m really excited to get home to Emily and our little girl.”
It was Hatton’s second win on the Saudi-backed circuit in three years as he finished on a total of 11-under par at Real Club Valderrama, but Rahm made him earn the win, shooting a four-under 67 to finish.
“I found today really stressful,” admitted 34-year-old Hatton, who carded four birdies and three bogeys, prompting some of his usual angry theatrics.
“I feel like I hit a lot of good iron shots that didn’t end up on the green. Obviously you saw a lot of pretty angry reaction from myself, but I’m happy with how I just kept plugging away and in a sense kind of got my reward with how I finished.
“It feels surreal to win, let alone in a place as iconic as this.”
His efforts, combined with Rahm’s, also ensured Legion XIII took the team title, with Smith’s all-Australian Ripper GC finishing fourth.
Abraham Ancer, of Mexico, carded a 68 on Sunday to finish third place at eight under, one shot ahead of Sergio Garcia (70) of Spain, who was alone in fourth on seven under, with Smith joining Dustin Johnson, David Puig and Thomas Detry, tied for fifth at five under.
Marc Leishman finished tied for 11th after a final-round 70 left him at two under for the tournament, while Lucas Herbert was tied-24th at three over and Elvis Smylie 41st at eight over.
