Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen Wins 2025 Australian Open with Dramatic Victory Over Cameron Smith

Denmark's Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen claimed his maiden DP World Tour title with a dramatic one-shot victory over Australian favorite Cameron Smith at the 2025 Crown Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.

A Historic Danish Victory

The 26-year-old Neergaard-Petersen finished at 15-under par (269) following rounds of 67-66-66-70, securing the Stonehaven Cup in one of the most thrilling conclusions to the tournament in recent memory. In a tense climax at the 18th hole, both players came to the par-4 tied at 15-under par. Neergaard-Petersen's scrambled par—after finding the long grass right of the green—proved decisive as Smith, seeking his first win in over two years, three-putted for bogey after missing his birdie attempt.

A Heartbreaking Finale for Smith

Cameron Smith's strong tournament run came to a frustrating end with a final round 69 (270, -14). The LIV Golf star had mounted a commanding challenge, firing a crucial birdie on the par-5 17th to reach 15-under and stay tied for the lead heading into the final hole. After a brilliant drive and measured approach shot on 18, Smith had positioned himself perfectly for victory, but two missed putts—a difficult birdie attempt from distance and a subsequent miss for par—cost him the title.

The Leaderboard

Rounding out the top finishers:

• 3rd: Si Woo Kim (-13)
• 4th: Min Woo Lee (-11)
• 5th: Adam Scott (-9)

A Significant Achievement

Neergaard-Petersen's victory comes after a breakthrough 2025 season that saw him secure PGA Tour status for next year following a third-place finish at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. The triumph also earned him an invitation to the 2026 Masters Tournament.

Presidents Cup Implications

For the International Team's 2026 Presidents Cup roster being assembled by Captain Geoff Ogilvy, both Neergaard-Petersen and the returning form of Cameron Smith demonstrate the depth of talent available. Smith's strong showing at Royal Melbourne signals a potential resurgence for the Australian star as he looks to make his case for Medinah selection.

Tournament Notes

The 2025 Australian Open marked the first time the championship has been held at Royal Melbourne since 1991, utilizing the iconic Composite Course that combines holes from both the West and East layouts. The dramatic finish provided a fitting conclusion to a compelling week of DP World Tour competition in the Southern Hemisphere.