Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen expressed his disbelief after winning his first DP World Tour title at the Australian Open. He narrowly defeated Cameron Smith by one stroke in a tense final round.
Neergaard-Petersen began the last day with a two-shot lead, maintaining control until the 10th hole, where a bogey allowed Smith to catch up with a birdie. Both players continued to score birdies, entering the final hole tied.
On the 18th hole, Neergaard-Petersen kept his composure to secure par and finish at 15-under. Smith, however, missed two putts, resulting in a bogey and ending one shot behind at 14-under. “It’s hard. I’m really at a loss for words. It’s been a battle all day,” Neergaard-Petersen said about his victory. This win also earned him a spot at the Masters.
Rory McIlroy ended tied for 14th place after accumulating 11 bogeys over four days. In his final round, he scored 69, finishing eight strokes behind the leader. The Northern Irishman is now taking a break after completing a busy schedule that included winning an away Ryder Cup and achieving a career Grand Slam.
Reflecting on his year, McIlroy shared his plans: “I’m looking forward to a little break,” he said. “I’ve played a pretty heavy schedule post the summer with the Irish Open, Ryder Cup, and then, you know, I’ve sort of been globe-trotting a little bit the last couple of months.”
Neergaard-Petersen’s victory was marked by intense competition and personal perseverance. Despite appearing calm outwardly, he described feeling tumultuous inside throughout the day but managed to stay focused and make crucial shots when needed.
McIlroy is eager for some downtime during Christmas to relax and reflect on his achievements this year. He mentioned enjoying some wine while reminiscing about what he described as an unbelievable year filled with significant accomplishments.
Neergaard-Petersen’s win not only highlights his skill but also sets him up for future opportunities like participating in the Masters. Meanwhile, McIlroy looks forward to recharging before tackling new challenges next season.