### Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen Triumphs in Australian Open, Denying Local Hero Cameron Smith Danish golfer Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen achieved a remarkable victory at the 2025 Australian Open, held at Royal Melbourne, marking his first major professional title. In a thrilling final round, Neergaard-Petersen edged out Australian favorite Cameron Smith by one stroke, finishing with a total score of 15-under par. The dramatic conclusion saw Neergaard-Petersen sink a crucial par putt on the 72nd hole, while Smith missed a short putt that would have forced a playoff, thus sealing Neergaard-Petersen's triumph and earning him an automatic qualification for The Masters 2026 [https://www.irishstar.com/news/us-news/neergaard-petersen-winner-smith-australian-36367954][https://apnews.com/article/australian-open-final-round-01d288db8310b3efaec06684d1ccde02]. ### Breakdown of the Australian Open Victory 1. **Final Round Dynamics** - Neergaard-Petersen and Smith entered the final hole tied at 15-under par. - Neergaard-Petersen executed a challenging par putt, while Smith's miss on a short putt cost him the title [https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikefore/2025/12/07/rasmus-neergaard-petersen-wins-australian-open-in-dramatic-fashion]. 2. **Significance of the Win** - This victory marks Neergaard-Petersen's first title on the DP World Tour, elevating his status in professional golf [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/neergaard-petersen-holds-nerve-win-110052935.html]. - The win also secures him a spot in the prestigious Masters tournament in 2026 [https://www.themirror.com/sport/golf/rasmus-neergaard-petersen-australian-open-1548986]. 3. **Performance of Other Competitors** - Rory McIlroy struggled throughout the tournament, finishing with 11 bogeys, which included an unusual incident involving a banana peel [https://www.apnews.com/article/australian-open-final-round-01d288db8310b3efaec06684d1ccde02]. - Smith, a former British Open champion, was seeking his first win in over two years, making the loss particularly poignant for the local crowd [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3722314-dramatic-victory-neergaard-petersen-wins-australian-open-in-nail-biting-finish]. ### Supporting Evidence of Neergaard-Petersen's Victory - **Final Scores**: Neergaard-Petersen finished at 15-under par, while Smith ended at 14-under after his final hole miss [https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/rasmus-neergard-petersen-crown-australian-open]. - **Key Moments**: Neergaard-Petersen's clutch putt on the 18th hole was pivotal, showcasing his composure under pressure [https://www.si.com/golf/rasmus-neergaard-petersen-denies-cam-smith-australian-open-win-dramatic-finish]. - **Attendance Records**: The tournament saw record attendance, highlighting the significance of the event returning to Royal Melbourne after 34 years [https://www.espn.ph/golf/story/_/id/47231499/golf-rasmus-neergaard-petersen-wins-2025-australian-open-crown-cam-smith-rory-mcilroy]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Win for Neergaard-Petersen **Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen's victory at the Australian Open is a landmark achievement in his career, showcasing his skill and mental fortitude.** 1. **Victory Details**: Neergaard-Petersen won by one stroke, finishing at 15-under par. 2. **Impact on Career**: This win marks his first major title and secures his place in The Masters 2026. 3. **Local Hero's Heartbreak**: Cameron Smith's missed putt on the final hole denied him a much-anticipated victory in front of his home crowd. This thrilling conclusion to the Australian Open not only highlights Neergaard-Petersen's talent but also sets the stage for an exciting future in professional golf [https://www.golfdigestme.com/rasmus-neergaard-petersen-secures-maiden-dp-world-tour-title-at-crown-australian-open].