Cameron Smith lifts The Players Championship as Anirban Lahiri narrowly misses out in final round
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Australian Cameron Smith survived a wild week and a rollercoaster final round to claim a one-shot victory over India’s Anirban Lahiri at The Players Championship on Monday. As a result, the Kangaroo golfer went on to take home the PGA Tour’s biggest payout, pocketing the winner’s cheque of $3.6 million.
Two shots behind front-running Lahiri going into the weather-delayed final round on a TPC Sawgrass stage, the Aussie held his nerve when needed. Smith carded a six-under 66 for a winning total of 13-under 275 to capture his second title of the season and fifth overall of his career.
“I haven’t seen them in two years. It’s really cool to have them here,” Smith said, his voice choking slightly. “My main priority really was just to hang out with them and golf was second for these few weeks. It’s nice to see them and nice to get a win for them.”
He added: “I’d be lying if I didn’t push it a little bit. I was trying to hit it over the bunker there and hold it up against the wind. The wind didn’t really do much for maybe three-quarters of the shot, and it held it up right there at the end. That was just awesome.”
“Haven’t gotten over the line yet in seven years” – Lahiri
Lahiri closed with a 69, his disappointment eased by the $2.1 million second-place purse while Briton Paul Casey returned a final round 69 as well to finish two shots back alone in third.
“I’ve been here seven years; haven’t gotten over the line yet. That’s definitely a monkey I want to get off my back,” Lahiri said. “Today was as good an opportunity as any. I gave it a good go. Made some mistakes today that I could have avoided, but that’s golf.”
Englishman Paul Casey, who shot 69, was the victim of a horrible break on the 16th hole when he was in a position to edge closer to the lead.
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