Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen Claims Australian Open Title in Dramatic Royal Melbourne Finish

Dane Victorious at Royal Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia – Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen has clinched his maiden major professional golf title, winning the Crown Australian Open in a dramatic finish at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The 26-year-old Dane triumphed over Australian fan favorite Cam Smith by a single shot, marking a significant milestone in his career and securing an invitation to the prestigious Masters tournament.

A Thrilling Final-Hole Decider

The final round saw an intense battle between Neergaard-Petersen and Smith, who arrived at the 72nd hole tied at 15-under par. The decisive moment unfolded on the par-4 18th. Neergaard-Petersen's drive found difficult rough, and his subsequent approach landed in the fescue to the right of the green, leaving him with a challenging third shot over a bunker. Despite the precarious position, he executed a crucial up-and-down, sinking a 10-foot par putt to maintain his score. Meanwhile, Smith, who had found the green with his second shot, faced a long, sloping birdie putt. His attempt came up short, and he subsequently missed a 5-foot par putt that would have forced a playoff, handing Neergaard-Petersen the victory.

Neergaard-Petersen finished the tournament with a total score of 15-under 269, posting rounds of 67, 66, 66, and a final 70. His composure under pressure was evident, as he later remarked, 'It's hard. I'm really at a loss for words. It's been a battle all day. Even from the outside, you can look calm but it was a storm inside (for me) all day.'

Career-Defining Achievement and Masters Berth

This victory marks Neergaard-Petersen's first professional title on a major tour and his maiden DP World Tour win. He also becomes the first Danish player to win the Australian Open. The win is particularly significant as it secures him a coveted spot in the 2026 Masters Tournament, an opportunity he described as a dream come true. Having earned his PGA Tour card for 2026 through his performance on the European tour, this triumph caps off a remarkable year for the young golfer. Neergaard-Petersen received the winner's share of AUD $340,000 from the total prize purse of AUD $2,000,000.

Smith's Continued Quest for the Stonehaven Cup

For Cam Smith, the runner-up finish was a poignant moment. The 2022 Open champion has long expressed his desire to win his national open and claim the Stonehaven Cup, a title that continues to elude him despite multiple Australian PGA Championship victories. Smith's performance at Royal Melbourne was a strong return to form, as he had missed seven consecutive cuts in Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) events earlier in the year. Despite the disappointment, Neergaard-Petersen acknowledged Smith's sportsmanship, calling him a 'class act.'

Other notable finishes included Si Woo Kim of South Korea, who placed third, and Rory McIlroy, who finished in a tie for 10th.