Cameron Smith Denies Rory McIlroy With Stunning Comeback Win At 150th Open

Hello and welcome to the final day of the 150th Open Championship!

We'll have Sam Tremlett covering the early action this morning from 8am local time.

FINAL DAY BEGINS

The players are already out on the course right now as the tee times are all brought forward roughly an hour compared to Saturday. Amateur Sam Bairstow kicked us off and four groups have teed off. The one I would keep an eye on contains Sungjae Im and Sam Burns. That is a fantastic group.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TODAY

We have had some rain this morning and it is a rather grey affair out there right now. But conditions will turn drier, brighter and warmer this afternoon. Interestingly, the southwesterly breeze might pick up this afternoon and grow more variable in mid-afternoon.

PIN POSITIONS TODAY

Here are the pin positions for the day. Unsurprisingly a lot of them are tucked away and hidden which I think is a pretty good defense for the course. 

BIRDIES HARD TO COME BY SO FAR

I know there aren't loads of groups on the course right now but there are very few birdies on the leaderboard at the moment. Well, aside from the David Law and Hideki Matsuyama group who are two-under, and one-under for the day respectively. No other group on the course has made a birdie...

JT LEADING DRIVING DISTANCE

I have just noticed the driving distance stats for the week so far and American Thomas is leading the way averaging 351 yards on the measured holes! I know its firm but sheesh! Also the 426 yard bomb by Adri Arnaus?!

HOVLAND NOT GOING TO HOLD BACK

Ahead of today's final round battle with Rory, Viktor Hovland had this to say after his round yesterday.

“It's pretty crazy from where I grew up and so far away from playing the PGA Tour, European Tour, for that matter Major championships. Just to be here is very special, but to have a chance to win one is – yeah, I have to pinch myself, but that doesn't mean I'm going to hold back,” he explained.

Fighting words indeed.

AMATEUR JARVIS TEEING OFF

Sitting at level par, Aaron Jarvis is still in the hunt for the Silver Medal but will need to go low today as he starts his final round. He sits four back of Filippo Celli, and one back of Barclay Brown. The only other amateur to make the cut was Sam Bairstow who is back at seven-over right now.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Just in case you hadn't seen THE bunker shot from Rory yesterday, here is it. I was actually just by the 17th hole when it happened and the roar from the crowd was truly incredible. Everyone around me was wondering what on earth had happened but we all kind of knew Rory had done something. 

LAW THREE-UNDER FOR THE DAY

The Scot David Law is the hottest player on the course right now as he is three-under through five holes. His playing partner Hideki is two-under through five as well, so it is possible to climb up the leaderboard so far.

BAIRSTOW HOLING SOME MONSTER PUTTS

It seems every time I look up Sam Bairstow is holing an insane putt. On three of the last four holes he has done so and he currently sits at one-under for his round, six-over for the tournament. 

RORY TO WIN?

Can McIlroy do it tomorrow? Last night he seemed very happy with his game...

DINWIDDIE VISITS BURN

Robert Dinwiddie, who was playing well at the start of the week, as visited the Burn on the 1st hole. With the pin tucked just over it, I would guess he won't be the last player to go in it today. 

Elsewhere Cameron Tringale is two-under through three, Hideki birdies the 6th to get to three-under for the day, and Bairstow goes out in 34. 

DOES AIMPOINT ACTUALLY WORK?

Forgive my ignorance as I am not the Golf Monthly team member who has tried it, but I don't actually understand Aimpoint and if it works. I see players standing on the line of their putt all the time, just like Sam Burns just did, and yet it seems like the player then misses the putt constantly by misreading it. How can they misread the putt if Aimpoint is designed to help you read putts properly? Not criticising the method, i just want someone to explain it to me. 

WITB'S AT THE TOP

In case you were wondering here are the respective What's In The Bags for the players at the top.

• Rory McIlroy
• Viktor Hovland
• Cameron Young
• Cameron Smith
• Si Woo Kim
• Scottie Scheffler

HOMA IN THE PUB LAST NIGHT

It seems a missed cut didn't dampen Homa's mood last night as he was spotted pouring pints. Atta boy Max

TOUGHER CONDITIONS TODAY

I was on the live shift during the morning yesterday and there were definitely more birdies and red on the board on Saturday compared to today. If conditions remain the same it will be interesting to see how the leaders fair on the opening few holes. 

FAMOUS NORWEGIANS 

I only know three names on this list but Viktor will undoubtedly try and join them today!

RORY'S DAY OF RECKONING

Golf Monthly's Neil Tappin has just written a good piece on Rory McIlroy and how this day is incredibly important for his career. Can he keep his focus and let his experience and his talent combine to get him over the line? We will find out today. 

THOMAS HAVING A STINKER AT 1ST

Golf Monthly Editor Michael Harris just said Justin Thomas just left himself one of the stinkiest shots in world golf. After finding the burn at the 1st, Thomas decides to chip over it to a pin just over the other side. I believe Mr Harris has had to play that shot a number of times...

Thomas' playing partner Marcus Armitage makes a regulation par. 

HIDEKI HOTTEST PLAYER ON COURSE

Matsuyama is playing very well indeed. He is four-under today and finally into the red for the tournament. Other players under par at the moment are Niemann, Reed, Burns and Jordan Smith.

HIGGO EAGLES 9

Having spent some time on the 9th hole yesterday, it is amazing how easy these guys make that hole look. On TV it looks like a simple driver down there and two putt but it is not as wide as it looks and those bunkers are basically one shot penalties really.

One man who made it look very easy is Garrick Higgo who just eagled it. That is the first eagle of the day as well. 

WYNDHAM HAS THREE IN A ROW

American Wyndham Clark has had three birdies in a row at 11, 12 and 13. What would the leaders do for that kind of run later?

FINAU TEES OFF

I must admit, I am disappointed in Tony Finau this week, I thought with his length and streaky putting he could've really gone low but alas it was not to be. He has just teed off in a crispy green Nike hoodie though, a model he has been wearing all week. If the guys at Nike want to help me out with one of those it would be greatly appreciated. 

TOUCH OF CLASS FROM HIDEKI

The pro's make that shot look so easy. Faced with a tricky pitch shot over some humps and bumps, Hideki crispy strikes the ball with a low ball flight, it bounds on a couple of times and then checks up next to the hole. I wish, I WISH, I could play that shot. 

BROWN GOING IN RIGHT DIRECTION

English amateur Barclay Brown has started steadily today with a birdie at the 3rd and pars everywhere else. He is two back of Felippo Celli who tees off later today. 

Patrick Reed has just birdied three of his last four on the front nine as well so he has gone out in 33, bedecked in LIV Golf logos too I might add. 

HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED

Look at Rory in this picture! 15 years ago Rory became the youngest player ever to earn a Tour card from tournament-play when he finished T3 at the 2007 Dunhill Links Championship.

1ST EAGLE AT 5

Lars Van Meijel is the first player to eagle the par-5 5th today. The pin is 85 yards on with plenty of room to run the ball up close so I think we might see a couple more by the end of play later.

BROWN BIRDIES 7TH

We are seeing a lot of birdies at the 7th today with Brown making one to get to three-under for the tournament. I am a big fan of what looks like his Walker Cup hat as well.

HIGGO FOUR-UNDER FOR DAY

Left-hander Higgo has joined Hideki and Burns with the best round of the day so far at four-under. Big fan of Garrick, he is a really good player and worked his way from DP World Tour to success on PGA Tour over the last couple of years.

JT WITH SHOT OF THE DAY SO FAR

With 265 yards in, a fairway wood in hand, Justin Thomas has just launched a high, fading beauty of a shot into the par-5 5th. He gives it a small club twirl and rightly so, because it ends up within 20-feet. Let's see if he can convert the eagle but even if he can't that shot was filthy.

HIDEKI BOUNCES BACK WITH ANOTHER BIRDIE

After a birdie at 12, Hideki bogeys 13 and bounces back with a birdie at 14. He is five-under for the day and golfing his ball right now. Cameron Tringale is four-under for the day as well and he has gone bogey-free so far. Now I have typed that put all your money on him to bogey the next...

JT HOLES EAGLE PUTT

That is difficult golf made to look very easy. Outrageous eagle.

CASEY MAKES HOT START

Englishman Casey has birdied two of the first four with textbook birdies on 3 and 4. Some guys are starting to find a bit of mojo out there and scoring has definitely picked up over the past 40 mins or so. Seems like the course has been set up for a good number of birdies to be achievable. 

GET EXCITED PEOPLE

The day is young, but videos like the one below get me excited for what is to come later today.

BOB MAC SPINS IT INTO BURN

MacIntyre is the first guy I've seen to land on the green at 1, and then spin it back into the water. He looks genuinely shocked as well with a hand over his mouth. He should probably just hit from the same place because that pitch shot over the burn is horrifically nerve-wracking.

BAIRSTOW WHIZZES ROUND

Just like that, Sam Bairstow has finished his round in roughly 3 hours and 20 mins. I believe his parents were on the screen getting very emotional as he finished off, that is so great to see. 

JT just holed a bomb putt for another birdie as well, dude is playing some filthy golf at the mo. 

CASEY MAKES 3 IN A ROW

Englishman is hot right now as he makes another birdie at the par-5 5th. Sam Burns has also just made a birdie on the 15th to get to five-under for the day.

MY 3 HOURS ARE UP

And just like that, once again the 3 hours have flown by and I am handing over to Mark Townsend once again. Been a pleasure to blog for you guys this week and I hope you were entertained. Until next time, over to you Mark.

MORNING ALL

The day of reckoning and I was about to celebrate Rory Day with a new bobble hat but the queues were 500 yards long and we didn't even get through the door. Did see Max Homa with his pregnant partner and took a pic up the 18th so it was worth it (sort of). 

JOKE TIME...

Sir Nick: What do you call a seagull that lives in St Andrews Bay

A: A bay-gull 

He'll be here all week

HUMIDITY WARNING

Faldo does have his moments and explains that the humid nature of the morning means the ball will spin more. Westwood opens up his day by jazzing one back into the burn though it was more to do with a weak strike rather than too much spin. Should escape with a five.

BURNS NIGHT (MORNING)

Sam Burns left himself a pitch in of just 133 yards to the 17th, hit a wedge, came off it, finished three feet away and makes birdie. Second birdie in two days at the Road Hole and he's -6 for his day.

STRONG SCORING

The scores in this morning so far are - 69, 75, 69, 67 and 69 and Burns is to come in next. What that means for later on who knows but you would think someone will at least get to -20 and maybe beyond Stenson's winning effort at Troon.

THE 5TH TODAY

Is this a first? It is cut 85 yards on and is actually past the pin at the 13th which comes back the other way.

SILVER MEDAL WATCH

Here's how they're sitting with Felippo Celli having just gone off..

Celli -4

Brown -2 (13)

Jarvis +2 (14)

Bairstow +4 (F)

BURNS ON FIRE

He birdies the last four holes and is round in 64, the best of the week alongside the two Cams. Finishes on -6 and has moved up 59 spots today.

HOW COOL IS THIS?

TEE TIME REMINDER

Rory and Viktor off at 2.50

Some incredible twoballs before that - Cantlay and Spieth, Scott and Fitzpatrick, Fleetwood and Johnson, Scheffler and Kim and then the two Cams. 

BIG MAC

Is MacIntyre that big? Just eagled the 5th and, after doubling the 1st, is in red figures for the day. Still yet to miss a major cut and will be looking to keep moving up the leaderboard this afternoon.

FLEETWOOD ARRIVES

Has been surprising quite how early some of the players have been getting to the clubhouse. Tommy is here, two and a half hours ahead of his tee time, Scheffler was here 20 minutes ago. No sign of Rory yet..

GORSE PROOF

Marcus Armitage pulls on the waterproofs to back himself into a gorse bush at the 12th, a hole which has been pain in his backside all week. Bunts it out and through the green and worth the effort.

THEEGALA UP AND RUNNING

This is just his third Major and Open debut and he's been a very welcome visitor. Also has lots of good things to say..

'It's funny that there's no water or grass on a lot of California public courses. It's like hitting off the hard pan. You kind of learn to hit these spinning wedges, like cutting them or hooking them. I feel pretty comfortable on some of the lies out here because I know some guys change their wedges or stuff, less bounce. But I'm used to hitting off hard pans. It's a little purer out here, obviously. But, yeah, I think it definitely helped a little.'

TRINGALE ON THE CHARGE

Made his birdie...

VISION CHIPS (FISH & CHIPS) 

Thomas chips up, from the green, to the pin on the 13th. Over on the 5th, and the same green, Kim is chipping back to the pin which is 85 yards on. Only in St Andrews. Thomas saves his par.

THE 18TH SO FAR

The pin is in its traditional Sunday spot, front left over the Valley of Sin. This is how it's played this morning..

3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 2 (Arnaus), 4, 3, 3, 3

HATTON IN THE HOUSE

Tyrrell's here, more like it with just over an hour to spare. Rory arrived five minutes ago, casual in a pair of shorts.  

THOMAS TANKS

JT was going nicely at -3 for the day. Then sticks one over the wall at 14 and also making a mess of the reload. 

Ancer has had a hat-trick of birdies and he and playing partner Kaewkanjana area betterball -6 thru 7.

BOB ON

I've developed a bit of a fascination for Robert Dinwiddie this week, like the cut of his jib and his clobber. He's moved up 31 spots to a tie for 33rd and that would get him around $70 if he could maintain that sort of finish.

WESTWOOD ON THE MOVE

Lee John dumped one in the burn at the 1st and bogeyed the next but he's now playing the 9th and is -2 for the day. You can't buy experience and some proper know-how and skill.

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIE

Anthony Quayle is wearing something pretty different today, will try and get a pic. Think it says 'Callaway' in some sort of format but need a better look. Either way it's pretty horrendous.

CASH AND CAREY

There could be some pretty life-changing pay days this afternoon. Ireland's David Carey, who bogeyed the 1st, has reached the turn in 34 and has moved up to 21st - that would net him around $140k!

AA MAN

Over the first three days Adri Arnaus hit more greens than anyone else and only one person outdid him for distance off the tee. Needless to say his putter has let him down badly (82nd) though he did sign off with a 2 at the 18th. 

TASTY THAI 

Sadom Kaewkanjana is now on -9 having begun the day on -4. Has just birdied the short 11th, just the second two of the day and now inside the top 10. Qualified courtesy of the Singapore Open, a rare success for the Open Qualifying Series.

BOB ON 

Something for everyone for MacIntyre - drains one at the 12th from downtown for his second eagle of the day. Sneaks up to -6.

CAPTAIN KIRK

Chris Kirk making a nice move with a third birdie of the day at the 7th. Just his fourth Open for the 37-year-old and might be his best finish to date – was T19 in 2014. 

SPANISH INQUISITION 

Jon Rahm is having a bit of a shocker on the greens and could well self-combust before too long. Not been his week at all - was T3 at Sandwich a year ago.

KITCHEN APPLIANCE

Robert Dinwiddie (-4) will now play a few events on the Challenge Tour as well as some more fitting kitchens.

'If they need an extra hand, then yeah. It can take its toll on the body for sure. And I felt that this week. So a lot of golf with all the qualifying and here, and there's a lot of tension in your body too because the nerves. I have felt it physically this week. 

So I'll maybe try and get Frank and some of the other guys to do all the heavy lifting. When they need help, if I can be of help to them, getting jobs started or finished or whatever it is, then yeah, I'll still help them out.'

THOMAS SIGNS OFF

The PGA champ didn't break 70 all week but he also didn't play a round over par. Not the week he will have been after but he'll very happily take his Major year.

BARCLAY IN CREDIT

Barclay Brown closed with a 75, home in 41, and will miss out on the Silver Medal. The Sheffield youngster will now fly to Slovakia to play for Great Britain and Ireland in a couple of days. Aaron Jarvis sits on +1 while the Italian Celli is sitting pretty on -4. 

NOT SO SILLY HERBERT

Lucas drains one at pace across the 7th green, love watching him play, gives it a proper go. Couldn't be further away from how I like to play the game.

STAT ATTACK

Just been sent this..

The stroke average for the field was under par for a second consecutive round (round two, 71.724 and round three, 71.337). This is the third time in Opens at St Andrews that the stroke average has been under par for two consecutive rounds (1990 -rounds two and three and 2015 - rounds three and four). Cumulatively, the players are eleven-over par for the three rounds so far. 

BREAKING NEWS...BREA..

Adam Scott is on the practice ground and is not in brown.

GREAT SCOT

Here's that second eagle from Bob MacIntyre, still going strong at -7..

FINAU FINALE

Big Tony signs off with a 66, has improved with every round. As you might expect he has a strong Open record and he should be inside the top 20 here. Rory's on the range, blue trousers and maybe a cream polo. Looking good.

OPENING SALVOS

We seem to have seen an awful lot of the opening tee shots which, while it's a lovely setting, we don't get to learn much other than how easy it is to hit a mid iron. I'm all for seeing a wonky one that threatens the OOB stakes but perhaps not as keen on those down the middle.

PRIZE MONEY

There's a lot of talk about money in the game at the moment - this is how the top 10 will get paid out at the end of today..

1st (Winner): $2,500,000
2nd: $1,455,000
3rd: $933,000
4th: $725,000
5th: $583,000
6th: $505,000
7th: $434,000
8th: $366,000
9th: $321,000
10th: $290,000 

EAGLE TWO

Thomas Detry signs off with a two at the last which will be worth much gold - finishes at -8 and a nice pay day for the Belgian. Will hand you over into the capable hands of Matt Cradock who will take us through the next three hours as Rory goes for Major No. 5. Enjoy. 

Thanks Mark and good afternoon everybody. I've just polished off a bacon sandwich and am ready to cover the next three hours of action at St Andrews. Who will win The 150th Open Championship? Will it be Rory? Will it be Hovland? Will one of the Camerons secure their first Major title? Tune in to find out in what should be a thrilling final day!

BIG MOVERS

Sadom Kaewkanjana is making a big move up the leaderboard as the 24-year-old makes yet another birdie on the final day. Kaewkanjana has carded five birdies and an eagle so far, as he has jumped 30 places up the leaderboard

MAJOR WINNERS OFF

Adam Scott and Matt Fitzpatrick begin their final rounds with both finding the generous fairway at the first. The duo are well back of the leaders, so will need to go low on Sunday.

NEAR ALBATROSS

Wow, that was close! Harold Varner is enjoying a superb final day around the Old Course and very nearly finds the rarest bird of them all at the par 5 14th. I'll admit, the ball did hit the pin at about a million miles an hour, but it still nearly dropped as he rolls in the putt for an eagle. He's now five-under-par for the round and nine-under for the tournament. 

CLUSTER AT -9

With the leaders out soon, there is an almighty log jam of players at nine-under-par. Currently, six individuals are at that number, which is a tie for 10th. G1ranted, there are still plenty of holes to play, but maybe worth keeping an eye out if you have an E/W bet...

EVEN MORE LOGJAM 

Talking of logjam, there are even more players in a share of T16, with 14 individuals on a score of eight-under-par! Congested or what!?

AMATEUR RACE RUN ITS COURSE?

A huge eagle at the par 5 14th and leading amateur, Filippo Celli, gets to one-under for his day and five-under for the tournament. He now leads the race for the Silver Medal by six shots. Get to know the Italian here.

STRONG START FROM TYRRELL

Tyrrell Hatton loves the Old Course, having won here twice. Although he may have struggled yesterday, he has made three birdies in his opening five holes to get to 10-under-par.

SCOREABLE CONDITIONS

According to Sky Sports, 12 of the 18 holes at St Andrews are playing under-par, with average scoring being around 69. Essentially, if you're over par, you'll be tumbling down the leaderboard

LIV PAIR SHOOT SEVEN-UNDER

The LIV Golf pairing of Abraham Ancer and Sadom Kaewkanjana are in the clubhouse after superb rounds of seven-under-par. Both men have moved up 30 spots and now sit inside the top 10. It'll be interesting to see where they finish after the close of play.

LEADERS ON THE TEE

The main event is here! Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland step on to the first tee as both find the fairway with their opening drives, with Hovland's golf ball finishing no more than a yard or two from Rory's! 

All the groups are underway at St Andrews, so sit back, relax and watch the drama unfold. 

LET'S GO!

PARS AT THE FIRST

Both find the fairway and green safely, with Hovland the slightly closer of the two. Rory is the first to putt, with his attempt just sliding by the left side as it finishes behind the hole. Viktor then steps up, with his birdie putt from 12-foot also sliding by the left side.

SMITH MAKING EARLY MOVES

Cameron Smith and his beautiful mullet look far more relaxed than yesterday, with this shot at the second proving that. The Aussie puts it close, as he rolls in the birdie putt. Now three back

WORLD NO.1 UPDATE

Scottie Scheffler should be three-under through three but the putter is not cooperating! All of his birdie attempts brush the hole, as he stays at level for the round and five back of the leaders.

SPIETH MAKING MOVES

Spieth is in search of a second Claret Jug and he is currently three-under through five. Hot start from the American, who knows a thing or two about Links Golf.

PARS AT THE SECOND

Both Hovland and McIlroy comfortably par the second, with both men having similar length birdie attempts. Easy pars though for the European pair, who remain three ahead.

CELLI WINS THE SILVER MEDAL

Congratulations to Filippo Celli who wins the Silver Medal! The 21-year-old birdies the last to shoot one-under for his final round and finish at five-under for the tournament. Superb from the young Italian!

ADVANTAGE RORY

A superb pitch from Rory, who puts it in to no more than five-foot. Hovland is also on the green, with the 24-year-old around 15-feet away for his birdie...

BIRDIES AND EAGLES FLYING EVERYWHERE

In an unexpected turn of events there are birdies and eagles flying in everywhere! We almost see an albatross from Xander Schauffele, who sticks his approach at the par 5 14th to near inches, whilst Adam Scott birdies the fifth to join him at 11-under for the tournament 

RORY CAN'T CAPITALISE

After Hovland misses his birdie attempt Rory can't capitalise! A missed opportunity for the 33-year-old. Let's hope it doesn't affect him too much going forward...

Congratulations to Filippo Celli. An emotional moment for him and his family watching on!

RETURN OF THE STRIKE METER

I've been covering the action for 90 minutes now and it's the first time I've mentioned the Strike Meter... After annihilating his drive 322-yards down the middle of the fairway, Hovland achieves a score of 66. Yep, I have no idea either!

SCHEFFLER BOGEYS FIVE

Well, I had been saying that the World No.1 should be three-under for the day and now he bogeys one of the easiest holes on the course at the par 5 fifth to go to one-over. He drops back to 10-under and you feel that is his race is run.

MCILROY LEADS

Hovland makes a mistake at the fourth as his approach finishes miles from the flag. Rory calmly two putts and, after a poor first putt, Hovland can't make his par. Rory leads as they head to the par 5 fifth, a hole that can kickstart anyone's round!

A bogey is followed by a poor drive at the fifth, as Hovland looks to make up for his early dropped shot. Yesterday, Golf Channel's Brandel Chamblee stated that the Norwegian is "devastatingly bad at chipping." Check out the full story here.

CAMERONS WITHIN TWO

Cameron Smith carries on his fine start, with a birdie at the fifth putting him within two of the lead. As mentioned, he is looking calmer and more relaxed so could a charge be on the cards here. His playing partner, Cameron Young, makes up for a bogey at the first, but has made three birdies in a row to get to 14-under alongside Smith.

EAGLE CHANCE FOR RORY

A superb shot into the fifth green, where the pin is almost 90 yards on, from Rory, as he looks to be seizing the initiative here at the Old Course. He will have a putt for eagle from around 20-30 feet.

LEAD GOES TO TWO

Although Rory misses the eagle attempt he taps in for birdie. There's more good news for McIlroy, as Hovland can't convert his birdie try after laying up. The lead is now two and Rory is reportedly bouncing up the fairways... That's a good sign for his fans!

Is Major No.5 inbound?

RIPPING IT UP

Players are tearing up the Old Course on Sunday, with only two of the top 30 over-par. Ridiculous scoring!

RORY IS FEELING IT!

Rory is in the zone here and this is some of the best golf I have seen him play! From 50 yards, he takes out the putter and puts it to pin high, 10-foot right. Although the next putt slides by, it's another hole ticked off and a two shot cushion.

WHAT A TWO PUTT

In the midst of Rory-Mania, Cameron Young has produced one of the best two putts you will ever see. After driving the seventh green, he is faced with an eagle putt from 90 foot that breaks three different ways and drops severely at the end. He judges it to perfection, finishing it at the top of the slope as it ends a matter of feet from the flag. He gets to 15-under and is just two back.

TWO SPOTS OF BAD LUCK

After finding a divot with his tee shot, Rory makes superb contact with his approach. However, upon landing, it somehow kicks left and misses the bowl surrounding the flag. Super unlucky, as he faces a 20-footer for birdie.

BIG PAR SAVE FROM YOUNG

The American makes a superb two putt at the par 3 eighth, as he remains two back of Rory.

GORSE PROBLEMS

Golf's best swing, Adam Scott, finds trouble at the 12th as his drive fades right and into the gorse. Following the Aussie is Cameron Young who, playing the ninth, finds gorse to the left of the fairway! Prickly situation coming up.

PARS ALL ROUND

Hovland and Rory both make superb two putts at the par 3 eighth, as Rory remains two shots clear of both his playing partner and Cameron Young who, up ahead at the ninth, is in trouble with gorse.

DJ TO WITHIN FOUR

We haven't seen much of him on the broadcast, but Dustin Johnson birdies the par 3 11th and moves to within four of the lead. Can he mount a late comeback?

CAMERONS STRUGGLE ON NINE

After finding the gorse, Cameron Young sticks his wedge on the green but misses the par putt. Cameron Smith on the other hand sticks a lovely pitch to six-feet, but that ever reliable putter has gone cold, as he slides his putt by the right side.

INTERSTING CHOICE FROM VIKTOR

His driving has been fantastic this week, but Hovland goes for an iron off the tee on the driveable ninth. That is despite there being acres of room right. An average wedge shot follows from the 24-year-old, with McIlroy sticking his pitch shot to around 10-foot for birdie. Yet again, advantage Rory.

RORY LEADS BY TWO GOING INTO THE BACK NINE

Rory hits all nine greens in regulation and currently sits at one-under for his round. He leads by two going into the back nine, with Hovland, Cameron Smith and Cameron Young behind him.

RORY SAFELY ON AT 10

Following his par at the ninth, Rory drives the 10th hole and will have a long, long putt for an eagle. Think he would happily take two from there, especially with Hovland well back after a poor drive.

How about this shot at the 10th from Cameron Smith!

SIGNING OFF

Well, that's my three hours up and, as the leaders head into the back nine, I hand over to Andy Wright in St Andrews, who will guide you in to what is set up to be a fantastic finish at the Old Course. Will Rory hold on? Or will one of the chasing pack secure the Claret Jug? I've been Matt Cradock and happy Open Sunday!

SIGNING ON

Thanks Matt, lovely work. A duel for the Claret Jug looks could yet break out but not the one we were expecting. Cam Smith is lighting up the Old Course as he attempts to hunt Rory down. 

A shot further back is Viktor Hovland, yet to make his first birdie, and Cameron Young, who could spoil the party. Strap in folks.

THREE IN A ROW FOR SMITH

Cam's putter is running hot, which makes him a dangerous prospect for McIlroy and his legion of fans. A 15-footer at the 12th gives him a third birdie in a row and he's back within one of the lead.

Can Rory respond?

THREE IN A ROW FOR SMITH

Cam's putter is running hot, which makes him a dangerous prospect for McIlroy and his legion of fans. A 15-footer at the 12th gives him a third birdie in a row and he's back within one of the le.

Can Rory respond?

BOUNCE BACK BIRDIE FOR SPIETH

After a costly bogey on the par-5 14th, Jordan Spieth bounces back in style, rolling in a 12-foot birdie at the tricky 15th. He's back to -12 and in line for another strong Open finish.

CLOSING 66 FOR BRYSON

It's low-key been a very good week for Bryson DeChambeau. A birdie at the last has him round in 66 to finish at -12 and leave St Andrews with his best result in an Open Championship. 

Elsewhere, Fleetwood takes advantage of the 14th to get to -13. He's probably too far back but a strong finish and you just never know...

HOVLAND OPENS HIS BIRDIE ACCOUNT

Viktor is off and running after 12 holes. The birdie takes him back to level for the day and within two of Rory, who fails to convert from 10ft. 

SMITH TIES MCILROY FOR LEAD

Cam is on an absolute heater here. He makes it four birdies in a row at the 13th, holing from around 15 feet to join Rory at the top. The new favourite?

DJ TO -14

A birdie at the par-5 gets DJ to 14-under and within four of the two tied at the top. In the final group, McIlroy's lengthy birdie attempt at 13 pulls up agonisingly short right in the jaws. 

SMITH HITS THE FRONT | HOVLAND BOGEYS 13

The Cam Smith birdie train is showing no signs of slowing down. An exquisite chip from over the 14th green sets up a fifth birdie in a row. He's now -19 and one ahead of Rory McIlroy. Seriously impressive stuff.

McIlroy has just launched a drive up 14. Perhaps the fact he is now the hunter rather than the hunted will help him fire up the afterburners. 

Alongside Rory, Hovland's day goes from bad to worse. A bogey at the 13th takes him back to -15 and four behind.

ANOTHER CHANCE MISSED FOR RORY

Greenside in two, Rory fails to get up and down for the birdie at 14 that would have given him a share of the lead. Up ahead, Smith recovers from a ropey tee shot to find the heart of the 15th green. Wouldn't put it past him to slot the 40-footer.

SMITH SAVES PAR

Cool as you like, the Aussie mops up a sliding four-footer to hang on to his slender advantage. 

SPIETH FINISHES WITH PAR

After a typically exciting round, it's a disappointing four to finish for Jordan Spieth. The 2017 Champion Golfer of the Year is in the house at -12 for another top-10 Open result.

SMITH SAFELY ABOARD 16TH GREEN

The little breaks you need to win a Major all seem to be going the way of Cam Smith today. His second looks destined not to make the journey up the slope that guards the front of the green but a big bounce scrambles it pin high and to around 20 feet. 

McIlroy goes close with a long-range birdie putt on 15 and taps in for par. The tension is palpable here. Every swing could now be make or break for the leading duo. 

MCILROY ON THE OFFENSIVE

Trailing by one, McIlroy is forced to take driver on 16 and he laces it down the fairway. He'll have a flick with a wedge left for his second but the angle could be better.

Up at the green, Smith safely two-putts for par and to remain -19. To the 17th he goes....

PIVOTAL 17TH TO DETERMINE WINNER?

It could all come down to the Road Hole here. Objective one is complete for Smith, who has found the fairway. He now has the small task of finding the narrowest of targets with The Open on the line. Simples. 

LONG BIRDIE PUTT LEFT FOR RORY

It's not his finest wedge shot but at least he's on the right level. McIlroy will have around 25ft for birdie on the 16th.

BIRDIE TO FINISH FOR TOMMY LAD

It's a closing birdie for Fleetwood and a round of 67. He's in the clubhouse at -14 and will register a top-five finish.

SMITH IN TROUBLE AT 17

A chink in the armour of Cam Smith. The Aussie has left himself stymied by the Road Hole bunker after tugging his approach shot. A par looks very unlikely. The door is open for Rory.

Smith wisely opts to putt it and will have 12 feet or so to save par. Behind, McIlroy two-putts from distance to par the 16th. Young is also still in this at -17. It's unmissable stuff.

NERVES OF STEEL

A mini momentum swing? With Smith in trouble, McIlroy has just flushed his tee shot into the heart of the 17th fairway. Hovland joins him but is out of it following a bogey on 16. 

WHAT. A. PUTT

What was I saying about steely nerves. Under the most intense pressure, Smith buries his par putt to retain his one-shot lead. Biggest swing of his life coming up.

VALLEY OF SIN AWAITS

Smith's drive is away and he is in good position, with just the Valley of Sin to navigate. Up next, Young still has a chance should the Aussie falter as his drive finds the green, leaving him with a 20 foot eagle putt.

Behind, Rory hits a delicious approach to 17 and will have a good look for birdie at the hardest hole on the course.

MCILROY MISSES | SMITH LAGS IT CLOSE

He's just not taken his chances today. Another goes begging for Rory at 17 as his putt slides by on the left. At 18, Smith lags it to a couple of feet, which could be to win.

SPANNER IN THE WORKS

Cameron Young converts for eagle to get to -19. If Smith misses, it'll be a playoff but he's up to the task. What a round by Smith. Sixty-four blows under the most intense pressure. He's got one hand on the Claret Jug.

RORY NEEDS A CHIP-IN

McIlroy must have missed his drive as it pulls up 20 yards short. He needs to hole it force a playoff. 

WATCH: YOUNG'S EAGLE

Here's how Cameron Young piled the pressure on Smith's two-footer. 

THE WINNING MOMENT?

Is this the moment Cam Smith won the 150th Open. We'll find out imminently. 

CAM SMITH IS THE OPEN CHAMPION

It's agony for McIlroy as his chip fails to find the target. He just didn't quite have his best stuff today but there's no denying Cam Smith went out and won it today.

The Australian is the Champion Golfer of the Year. "Now you can hug me," he says to his team.

PARS TO FINISH FOR HOVLAND AND MCILROY

Like yesterday, the final group failed to get going. It's a disappointing 74 for Hovland, who was aiming to become Norway's first Major champion, while McIlroy is round in 70 to miss out on a playoff by two. 

SIGNING OFF, WHAT A WEEK

That was incredible. One of the most dramatic back nines I can remember. It's heartache for McIlroy but Smith is a worthy winner.

Thanks for following along. Until next time, goodbye!