There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake. The 29-year-old from Brisbane capped a stunning 2022 when he won the 150th Open Championship, putting together a remarkable back nine with six birdies on Sunday at St Andrews for his first career major title. Smith started the day four shots behind third-round leader Rory McIlroy and beat him by two shots. American Cam Young was the solo second, one behind Smith.

Shortly after that magical evening, Smith became the highest-ranked player in the world at the time to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Greg Norman-led Tour had a running battle against the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour before hostilities came to a sudden end last month as the Tour shook hands with Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign fund, and agreed to work together.

“I think LIV aside, I’m determined to try my best every week and just try and be a better golfer than I was last week,” said the world No 7, who won the LIV Golf title two weeks ago in England.

“I never really expect too much of myself. The thing I expect are doing everything 100 per cent, ticking all the boxes early in the week, making sure I’m prepared, and then just go out there and give it my all. That’s all I can really do.

“I think I’ve done that fantastic this year and especially last year. It was so good last year that you almost expected to win everything. I think that’s not really a good way to look at golf. Just expect to do all the things that you’re meant to do 100 per cent and then go out there and give it a crack. And if you win, you win.”

Smith sounded an ominous warning for the field, which also includes India’s Shubhankar Sharma, saying he feels he is playing even better than he did last year.

<img alt="British Open in Liverpool" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64611b69-939e-4093-b42d-9cc8f4592022" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Collage%20Maker-17-Jul-2023-11-26-PM-8976.jpg" />

British Open will be held from July 20-23 in Liverpool.

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-id-rather-retire-than-play-liv-golf-says-world-number-three-rory-mcilroy-615246">Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy</a>

“I think as a person, I am the same. I think my old boy would give me a clip around the ears if I was any different,” said Smith. “As a golfer, I think I’m actually better now than what I was last year. I think the stuff that I had to clean up is progressing. It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. My 5-iron and up has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and that’s an area of the game that we’ve worked probably harder than we have on in the past. I feel like it’s right there. It just has to come together.

“I think the first round I had at Centurion a couple of weeks ago was the first time where I felt like it had all come together. And then, the driver wasn’t my best friend on the weekend there. But I managed to kind of scramble out a good week. It feels really close.”

Even though a truce has been signed, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the PIF agreement, and many PGA Tour players have not taken lightly to the fact that it was done without keeping them in the loop.

There have been talks that LIV Golf might cease to exist in the future and all its players are re-inducted in the PGA Tour, but Smith said he was optimistic about the future of LIV Golf.

“Yeah, I’m absolutely optimistic. I think golf is in a great spot. There’s obviously a lot of things that are up in the air that no one really knows at the moment. I don’t think even the guys that are trying to sort it out really know what this outcome is going to be like.

“A lot of uncertainty, but I’m optimistic that LIV will be around in the future. “Like I’ve said in the past, the PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, and it will be for a very long time. But by joining LIV, I don’t think there was any part of me that made me think I made the wrong decision throughout these last eight or nine months.”

The 151st Open Championship, the last major of the golf season, starts Thursday.

(Author:&nbsp;Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups)

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There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake.

There is no extra motivation for Cameron Smith as he prepares to defend his Open Championship title because he wants to prove a point for LIV Golf. The Australian is inspired to do well for his own sake. The 29-year-old from Brisbane capped a stunning 2022 when he won the 150th Open Championship, putting together a remarkable back nine with six birdies on Sunday at St Andrews for his first career major title. Smith started the day four shots behind third-round leader Rory McIlroy and beat him by two shots. American Cam Young was the solo second, one behind Smith. Shortly after that magical evening, Smith became the highest-ranked player in the world at the time to join the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. The Greg Norman-led Tour had a running battle against the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour before hostilities came to a sudden end last month as the Tour shook hands with Public Investment Fund, the Saudi sovereign fund, and agreed to work together. “I think LIV aside, I’m determined to try my best every week and just try and be a better golfer than I was last week,” said the world No 7, who won the LIV Golf title two weeks ago in England. “I never really expect too much of myself. The thing I expect are doing everything 100 per cent, ticking all the boxes early in the week, making sure I’m prepared, and then just go out there and give it my all. That’s all I can really do. “I think I’ve done that fantastic this year and especially last year. It was so good last year that you almost expected to win everything. I think that’s not really a good way to look at golf. Just expect to do all the things that you’re meant to do 100 per cent and then go out there and give it a crack. And if you win, you win.” Smith sounded an ominous warning for the field, which also includes India’s Shubhankar Sharma, saying he feels he is playing even better than he did last year. British Open will be held from July 20-23 in Liverpool. Also read: Golf: I'd rather retire than play LIV Golf, says world number three Rory McIlroy “I think as a person, I am the same. I think my old boy would give me a clip around the ears if I was any different,” said Smith. “As a golfer, I think I’m actually better now than what I was last year. I think the stuff that I had to clean up is progressing. It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. My 5-iron and up has always been a bit of a struggle for me, and that’s an area of the game that we’ve worked probably harder than we have on in the past. I feel like it’s right there. It just has to come together. “I think the first round I had at Centurion a couple of weeks ago was the first time where I felt like it had all come together. And then, the driver wasn’t my best friend on the weekend there. But I managed to kind of scramble out a good week. It feels really close.” Even though a truce has been signed, there is still a lot of uncertainty with the PIF agreement, and many PGA Tour players have not taken lightly to the fact that it was done without keeping them in the loop. There have been talks that LIV Golf might cease to exist in the future and all its players are re-inducted in the PGA Tour, but Smith said he was optimistic about the future of LIV Golf. “Yeah, I’m absolutely optimistic. I think golf is in a great spot. There’s obviously a lot of things that are up in the air that no one really knows at the moment. I don’t think even the guys that are trying to sort it out really know what this outcome is going to be like. “A lot of uncertainty, but I’m optimistic that LIV will be around in the future. “Like I’ve said in the past, the PGA Tour is a great place to play golf, and it will be for a very long time. But by joining LIV, I don’t think there was any part of me that made me think I made the wrong decision throughout these last eight or nine months.” The 151st Open Championship, the last major of the golf season, starts Thursday. (Author: Joy Chakravarty (@TheJoyofGolf) is a Dubai-based golf journalist who has been associated with the sport for nearly three decades. A former media manager of the PGA Indian Tour, he has covered over 25 major championships and Ryder Cups) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

The Open: In-form Cameron Smith ready for title defence

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th&nbsp;British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total.

Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par fourth round allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with a frustrated McIlroy ending another stroke back in third after a 70.

The world number six would have known something special was needed on Sunday for him to win the Claret Jug and he duly delivered with eight birdies -- including five in a row from the 10th -- and not a single dropped shot.

McIlroy had been the favourite coming into the week and was two shots clear and in control at the turn in his final round, but then just in front Smith set off on his birdie surge and the pendulum swung definitively his way.

At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three decades to win the&nbsp;British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;since Greg Norman claimed his second Claret Jug at Royal St George's in 1993.

The Brisbane native with the trademark mullet is also the third Australian to win the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at the home of golf, after Peter Thomson in 1955 and Kel Nagle, who won the&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in 1960.

"To win an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Championship in itself is going to be a golfer's highlight but to do it around St Andrews is unbelievable," he said.

"This place is so cool. I love the golf course and the town."

Smith's 20-under-par total of 268 is the lowest winning score in an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at St Andrews, bettering the performance of Tiger Woods, who won on 19-under in 2000.

In stark contrast to Smith, McIlroy was left to rue a series of missed birdie putts, while Viktor Hovland -- who had shared the overnight lead on 16-under -- faded badly to shoot a 74.

That left the door&nbsp;open&nbsp;for one of the chasing pack and Smith took full advantage thanks to his incredible performance on the back nine.

As well as the birdies he showed nerves of steel to save par at the 17th, the legendary Road Hole.

Yet he needed his final birdie on 18 as his playing partner Young produced an eagle to finish with a 65 and end on 19-under.

A play-off was avoided and Smith could celebrate his first major after he finished tied third at this year's Masters, a tournament in which he also came second in 2020.

Before this week his biggest win had come at the Players Championship in March.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pv-sindhu-defeats-chinas-wang-zhi-yi-in-thrilling-final-to-clinch-singapore-open-2022-title-498131">PV Sindhu defeats China's Wang Zhi Yi in thrilling final to clinch Singapore Open 2022 title</a>

<h2>- McIlroy rues missed putts -</h2>

If Young, the 25-year-old New Yorker who had been the leader after the first round, can be satisfied with his showing this week, the same ultimately cannot be said for McIlroy.

"Just disappointment I guess. I had a great opportunity today to add to that major tally and I didn't quite get it done," McIlroy, who is still stuck on four major titles, told NBC.

"I didn't feel like I did many things wrong, but the putter went cold on me throughout the round."

Now 33, few would have thought when he won the 2014&nbsp;Open&nbsp;at Hoylake and followed it with victory in the PGA Championship a few weeks later that he would then embark on a major drought which will extend into a ninth year.

"I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an&nbsp;Open&nbsp;Championship at St Andrews is one hell of a showing, so hats off to Cam, he's had an unbelievable week," McIlroy added.

England's Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fourth on 14 under par alongside Hovland, who had been hoping to become the first Norwegian winner of a men's major.

Brian Harman of the United States came tied sixth on 13-under with Dustin Johnson, who was the highest finisher among the 24 players from the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV series in St Andrews this week.

The chief executive of the LIV series is Norman, the 67-year-old who was not invited to St Andrews by organisers the R&amp;A as a result but who will surely be proud of his compatriot's performance.

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total.

Australia's Cameron Smith won the 150th British Open at St Andrews on Sunday after a stunning final round of 64 saw him overtake favourite Rory McIlroy on a dramatic day at the Old Course and claim his first major title with a 20-under-par total. Smith began the day four shots off the lead but his eight-under-par fourth round allowed him to finish a shot clear of Cameron Young of the United States, with a frustrated McIlroy ending another stroke back in third after a 70. The world number six would have known something special was needed on Sunday for him to win the Claret Jug and he duly delivered with eight birdies -- including five in a row from the 10th -- and not a single dropped shot. McIlroy had been the favourite coming into the week and was two shots clear and in control at the turn in his final round, but then just in front Smith set off on his birdie surge and the pendulum swung definitively his way. At the age of 28, Smith is the first Australian in almost three decades to win the British Open since Greg Norman claimed his second Claret Jug at Royal St George's in 1993. The Brisbane native with the trademark mullet is also the third Australian to win the Open at the home of golf, after Peter Thomson in 1955 and Kel Nagle, who won the Open in 1960. "To win an Open Championship in itself is going to be a golfer's highlight but to do it around St Andrews is unbelievable," he said. "This place is so cool. I love the golf course and the town." Smith's 20-under-par total of 268 is the lowest winning score in an Open at St Andrews, bettering the performance of Tiger Woods, who won on 19-under in 2000. In stark contrast to Smith, McIlroy was left to rue a series of missed birdie putts, while Viktor Hovland -- who had shared the overnight lead on 16-under -- faded badly to shoot a 74. That left the door open for one of the chasing pack and Smith took full advantage thanks to his incredible performance on the back nine. As well as the birdies he showed nerves of steel to save par at the 17th, the legendary Road Hole. Yet he needed his final birdie on 18 as his playing partner Young produced an eagle to finish with a 65 and end on 19-under. A play-off was avoided and Smith could celebrate his first major after he finished tied third at this year's Masters, a tournament in which he also came second in 2020. Before this week his biggest win had come at the Players Championship in March. ALSO READ | PV Sindhu defeats China's Wang Zhi Yi in thrilling final to clinch Singapore Open 2022 title - McIlroy rues missed putts - If Young, the 25-year-old New Yorker who had been the leader after the first round, can be satisfied with his showing this week, the same ultimately cannot be said for McIlroy. "Just disappointment I guess. I had a great opportunity today to add to that major tally and I didn't quite get it done," McIlroy, who is still stuck on four major titles, told NBC. "I didn't feel like I did many things wrong, but the putter went cold on me throughout the round." Now 33, few would have thought when he won the 2014 Open at Hoylake and followed it with victory in the PGA Championship a few weeks later that he would then embark on a major drought which will extend into a ninth year. "I got beaten by the better player this week. To shoot 64 to win an Open Championship at St Andrews is one hell of a showing, so hats off to Cam, he's had an unbelievable week," McIlroy added. England's Tommy Fleetwood finished in a tie for fourth on 14 under par alongside Hovland, who had been hoping to become the first Norwegian winner of a men's major. Brian Harman of the United States came tied sixth on 13-under with Dustin Johnson, who was the highest finisher among the 24 players from the breakaway Saudi-backed LIV series in St Andrews this week. The chief executive of the LIV series is Norman, the 67-year-old who was not invited to St Andrews by organisers the R&A as a result but who will surely be proud of his compatriot's performance.

Cameron Smith sees off favourite Rory McIlroy to clinch British Open title

American debutant&nbsp;Collin&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;produced an ice-cool final round to win the British Open by two strokes on a blazing hot afternoon at Royal St George's on Sunday.

The 24-year-old began the day a stroke behind Louis Oosthuizen but played picture-perfect golf in a four-under round of 66 to overhaul the South African and resist resurgent fellow American Jordan Spieth in a three-way battle.

Morikawa&nbsp;barely missed a fairway all day as he made four birdies and dropped no shots, showing incredible composure late on as Spieth applied pressure down the stretch.

He never looked like cracking though and his fourth sub-par round of the week saw him finish on 15-under 265 -- his remarkable consistency born out by the astonishing statistic of only four bogeys all week.

Spieth, who was bidding to win his fourth major and first since the 2017 Open, started his final round badly with two bogeys in his first six holes but an eagle at the seventh launched a gallant chase of&nbsp;Morikawa.

The packed galleries, enjoying a memorable finale after last year's cancellation, roared on Spieth but despite a return to his best, he was unable to catch&nbsp;Morikawa, finishing 13 under, left to rue his bogey-bogey finish the night before.

Oosthuizen ended in a tie for third with Spain's U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm, four shots back after a storming finish.

He led from round one and posted the lowest-ever Open total for 36 holes but wilted and finished with a one-over 71.

Morikawa&nbsp;had the luxury of a two-shot lead as he teed off from the 18th tee before striding down the fairway and two-putting for a victory that never looked in doubt to become the first player to win two majors on debut, having also claimed the 2020 PGA Championship.

"This is by far one of the best moments of my life. Look at all these fans, let's hear it for you guys,"&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;said after receiving the Claret Jug. To see some of the best crowds I have ever seen I'm looking forward to making my trip every year."

The last debutant to win the Open was American Ben Curtis in 2003, although whereas Curtis was ranked 396th at the time,&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;is the world number four.

He only turned pro in 2019 but the University of California graduate has now won two of his first eight majors.

"I've had belief in myself since day one that I turned professional. I do my homework Monday to Wednesday to make sure I know what I need to do," he said.

PERFECT CONDITIONS

The finale to a riveting 149th Open was beautifully poised as clear blue skies and light winds provided the perfect conditions for a duel under the sun.

Morikawa&nbsp;collected six successive pars to climb into a share of the lead after Oosthuisen bogeyed the fourth.

Spieth bunkered his tee shot at the par-three sixth and dropped his second shot of the round before an eagle at the seventh flicked the switch.

Morikawa&nbsp;tapped in a birdie at the seventh, but for playing partner Oosthuizen that was where everything went wrong.

His second shot went into a greenside bunker, his third into another bunker, before flying his escape across the green, eventually limiting the damage with a bogey six.

That put&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;two shots clear and he turned the screws with birdies at eight and nine to briefly go four clear.

Spieth was not giving up the chase but&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;was nerveless, saving par on the 10th with a long putt.

Oosthuizen briefly came alive with a birdie at the 11 after almost holing his tee shot, but&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;was relentless.

His poor shots were as rare as trees on the coastal links, and even when he did play one, as he did with his second to the 15th, nothing could knock him out of his stride.

With Spieth just two behind,&nbsp;Morikawa&nbsp;was in trouble in the rough next to the downward sloping green, but the Californian made a sensational up-and-down to save par and he kept Spieth at arm's length thereafter.

"I needed a break, and I didn't get it from (Collin)," Spieth said. "I did all I could. So I'm upset because I really felt like I played well enough to win and made a couple of really dumb mistakes that possibly, if I had maybe played the week before, wouldn't have made."

American four-time major winner Brooks Koepka carded the day's joint best score, a 65 taking him to a tie for fifth while his arch-rival Bryson DeChambeau ended an eventful week with a 65 also, although he was never in contention.

Shane Lowry's admirable defence of the trophy he won in 2019 saw him finish in a tie for 12th after a final round 69.

American debutant Collin Morikawa produced an ice-cool final round to win the British Open by two strokes on a blazing hot afternoon at Royal St George's on Sunday.

American debutant Collin Morikawa produced an ice-cool final round to win the British Open by two strokes on a blazing hot afternoon at Royal St George's on Sunday. The 24-year-old began the day a stroke behind Louis Oosthuizen but played picture-perfect golf in a four-under round of 66 to overhaul the South African and resist resurgent fellow American Jordan Spieth in a three-way battle. Morikawa barely missed a fairway all day as he made four birdies and dropped no shots, showing incredible composure late on as Spieth applied pressure down the stretch. He never looked like cracking though and his fourth sub-par round of the week saw him finish on 15-under 265 -- his remarkable consistency born out by the astonishing statistic of only four bogeys all week. Spieth, who was bidding to win his fourth major and first since the 2017 Open, started his final round badly with two bogeys in his first six holes but an eagle at the seventh launched a gallant chase of Morikawa. The packed galleries, enjoying a memorable finale after last year's cancellation, roared on Spieth but despite a return to his best, he was unable to catch Morikawa, finishing 13 under, left to rue his bogey-bogey finish the night before. Oosthuizen ended in a tie for third with Spain's U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm, four shots back after a storming finish. He led from round one and posted the lowest-ever Open total for 36 holes but wilted and finished with a one-over 71. Morikawa had the luxury of a two-shot lead as he teed off from the 18th tee before striding down the fairway and two-putting for a victory that never looked in doubt to become the first player to win two majors on debut, having also claimed the 2020 PGA Championship. "This is by far one of the best moments of my life. Look at all these fans, let's hear it for you guys," Morikawa said after receiving the Claret Jug. To see some of the best crowds I have ever seen I'm looking forward to making my trip every year." The last debutant to win the Open was American Ben Curtis in 2003, although whereas Curtis was ranked 396th at the time, Morikawa is the world number four. He only turned pro in 2019 but the University of California graduate has now won two of his first eight majors. "I've had belief in myself since day one that I turned professional. I do my homework Monday to Wednesday to make sure I know what I need to do," he said. PERFECT CONDITIONS The finale to a riveting 149th Open was beautifully poised as clear blue skies and light winds provided the perfect conditions for a duel under the sun. Morikawa collected six successive pars to climb into a share of the lead after Oosthuisen bogeyed the fourth. Spieth bunkered his tee shot at the par-three sixth and dropped his second shot of the round before an eagle at the seventh flicked the switch. Morikawa tapped in a birdie at the seventh, but for playing partner Oosthuizen that was where everything went wrong. His second shot went into a greenside bunker, his third into another bunker, before flying his escape across the green, eventually limiting the damage with a bogey six. That put Morikawa two shots clear and he turned the screws with birdies at eight and nine to briefly go four clear. Spieth was not giving up the chase but Morikawa was nerveless, saving par on the 10th with a long putt. Oosthuizen briefly came alive with a birdie at the 11 after almost holing his tee shot, but Morikawa was relentless. His poor shots were as rare as trees on the coastal links, and even when he did play one, as he did with his second to the 15th, nothing could knock him out of his stride. With Spieth just two behind, Morikawa was in trouble in the rough next to the downward sloping green, but the Californian made a sensational up-and-down to save par and he kept Spieth at arm's length thereafter. "I needed a break, and I didn't get it from (Collin)," Spieth said. "I did all I could. So I'm upset because I really felt like I played well enough to win and made a couple of really dumb mistakes that possibly, if I had maybe played the week before, wouldn't have made." American four-time major winner Brooks Koepka carded the day's joint best score, a 65 taking him to a tie for fifth while his arch-rival Bryson DeChambeau ended an eventful week with a 65 also, although he was never in contention. Shane Lowry's admirable defence of the trophy he won in 2019 saw him finish in a tie for 12th after a final round 69.

Golf: Ice-cool Collin Morikawa wins blazing hot British Open

Irishman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tommy-fleetwood-braced-for-wall-of-noise-in-british-open-battle-with-shane-lowry-237501">Shane Lowry</a> staved off the biggest nerves of his golfing life, handling the wind and the rain to win the British Open by six strokes amid emotional scenes at Royal Portrush on Sunday.

Fervently cheered on every shot by the sellout crowd, the 32-year-old from Clara, who began the day with a four stroke lead, was never seriously troubled in the final round with England's Tommy Fleetwood unable to take his chances to put him under pressure.

Lowry carded one-over-par 72 in strong winds and at times driving rain, but he was rewarded with wild celebrations as the fans charged on to the fairway behind him as he approached the 18th green.

"It's like an out of body experience. I was so calm coming down the last, I cannot believe it. The weather was awful but I had a look around, and everyone was struggling," said Lowry who was greeted by his family on the green.

"It became a two horse race with Tommy, and I just tried to focus on staying ahead."

Lowry finished at 15-under 269, while Fleetwood, shot 74 for second place.

"To lead by four at the start of the day and to keep that and to just control, he literally controlled the tournament from the start of today until the end, that's a very, very impressive thing to do," said Fleetwood, who was left to rue the early birdie opportunities he failed to convert.

With the weather making it hard for anyone to make a run from down the leaderboard it quickly turned into a head-to-head duel between Lowry and Fleetwood.

"I got off to a very shaky start," said Lowry, who had to sink a six-foot putt to salvage bogey at the first.

"I didn't feel great out there. It's probably the most uncomfortable I've ever felt on a golf course. You're trying to win an Open in your home country, it's incredibly difficult."

But once he settled down and looked at a leaderboard he noticed that nobody was making a run at him.

He needed to avoid any big numbers on his card and duly did so, making nothing worse than bogey.

Even three straight bogeys around the turn hardly dented his lead, and a six-foot birdie at the 15th hole that extended his margin to six strokes allowed him to almost enjoy a processional victory march up the final three holes.

"It was just so difficult," he said. "I kept telling myself bogeys are not going to hurt you, let's just keep the ball in play and if I make the odd par it will be pretty good.

Lowry savoured the walk up the 18th, greeted with delight by the singing gallery who packed the stands, with some Irish tricolours in the crowd.

After hitting his final approach shot he held his arms aloft in celebration and hugged his caddie, assured finally that there would be no late disaster.

Greeted by Harrington

He became the second player from the Republic of Ireland, after Padraig Harrington in 2007 and 2008, to lift the Claret Jug, a fitting end to the first Open played in Northern Ireland since 1951.

Players from Ireland and Northern Ireland have won five of the past 13 Opens, with Darren Clarke (2011) and Rory McIlroy (2014) also hoisting the Claret Jug.

Harrington and 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell were among those who greeted Lowry next to the 18th green, while McIlroy, the local favourite who missed the cut, was no doubt cheering from afar, Irish eyes smiling all over.

"We're all one country when it comes to golf," Lowry said.

"I said to my caddie walking down the last, 'I can't believe this is me, this is mine'.

"I've watched the Open since I was a little kid and to be named champion golfer of the year is just incredible."

The win ended American hopes of a clean sweep of the year's majors -- Tony Finau was the best finishing American with his even-par 71 securing third place, eight strokes behind Lowry.

It was a strong showing from British golfers, who secured five of the top ten spots. Scotsman Robert MacIntyre finished sixth in his maiden major after shooting an impressive final round 68.

Lee Westwood finished tied for fourth with Brooks Koepka, a result which means the 46-year-old Englishman will return to the Masters after missing out on Augusta in the past two years.

Irishman Shane Lowry staved off the biggest nerves of his golfing life, handling the wind and the rain to win the British Open by six strokes amid emotional scenes at Royal Portrush on Sunday.

Irishman Shane Lowry staved off the biggest nerves of his golfing life, handling the wind and the rain to win the British Open by six strokes amid emotional scenes at Royal Portrush on Sunday. Fervently cheered on every shot by the sellout crowd, the 32-year-old from Clara, who began the day with a four stroke lead, was never seriously troubled in the final round with England's Tommy Fleetwood unable to take his chances to put him under pressure. Lowry carded one-over-par 72 in strong winds and at times driving rain, but he was rewarded with wild celebrations as the fans charged on to the fairway behind him as he approached the 18th green. "It's like an out of body experience. I was so calm coming down the last, I cannot believe it. The weather was awful but I had a look around, and everyone was struggling," said Lowry who was greeted by his family on the green. "It became a two horse race with Tommy, and I just tried to focus on staying ahead." Lowry finished at 15-under 269, while Fleetwood, shot 74 for second place. "To lead by four at the start of the day and to keep that and to just control, he literally controlled the tournament from the start of today until the end, that's a very, very impressive thing to do," said Fleetwood, who was left to rue the early birdie opportunities he failed to convert. With the weather making it hard for anyone to make a run from down the leaderboard it quickly turned into a head-to-head duel between Lowry and Fleetwood. "I got off to a very shaky start," said Lowry, who had to sink a six-foot putt to salvage bogey at the first. "I didn't feel great out there. It's probably the most uncomfortable I've ever felt on a golf course. You're trying to win an Open in your home country, it's incredibly difficult." But once he settled down and looked at a leaderboard he noticed that nobody was making a run at him. He needed to avoid any big numbers on his card and duly did so, making nothing worse than bogey. Even three straight bogeys around the turn hardly dented his lead, and a six-foot birdie at the 15th hole that extended his margin to six strokes allowed him to almost enjoy a processional victory march up the final three holes. "It was just so difficult," he said. "I kept telling myself bogeys are not going to hurt you, let's just keep the ball in play and if I make the odd par it will be pretty good. Lowry savoured the walk up the 18th, greeted with delight by the singing gallery who packed the stands, with some Irish tricolours in the crowd. After hitting his final approach shot he held his arms aloft in celebration and hugged his caddie, assured finally that there would be no late disaster. Greeted by Harrington He became the second player from the Republic of Ireland, after Padraig Harrington in 2007 and 2008, to lift the Claret Jug, a fitting end to the first Open played in Northern Ireland since 1951. Players from Ireland and Northern Ireland have won five of the past 13 Opens, with Darren Clarke (2011) and Rory McIlroy (2014) also hoisting the Claret Jug. Harrington and 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell were among those who greeted Lowry next to the 18th green, while McIlroy, the local favourite who missed the cut, was no doubt cheering from afar, Irish eyes smiling all over. "We're all one country when it comes to golf," Lowry said. "I said to my caddie walking down the last, 'I can't believe this is me, this is mine'. "I've watched the Open since I was a little kid and to be named champion golfer of the year is just incredible." The win ended American hopes of a clean sweep of the year's majors -- Tony Finau was the best finishing American with his even-par 71 securing third place, eight strokes behind Lowry. It was a strong showing from British golfers, who secured five of the top ten spots. Scotsman Robert MacIntyre finished sixth in his maiden major after shooting an impressive final round 68. Lee Westwood finished tied for fourth with Brooks Koepka, a result which means the 46-year-old Englishman will return to the Masters after missing out on Augusta in the past two years.

Irishman Shane Lowry wins British Open at Royal Portrush

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open.

Fleetwood was magnificent on Saturday as his five-under 66 lifted him to second in the leaderboard but Ireland's Lowry, roared on by the massive galleries, put everyone in the shade during the third round.

Lowry, who comes from across the border in County Offaly, has become the darling of the fans who have flocked to the Northern Ireland coast and was imperious as he put together a stunning course-record 63 to open a four-shot lead.

Bad weather is predicted on Sunday and Lowry, whose best previous major was second at the 2016 U.S. Open, will have some anxious moments over the next 24 hours.

Thousands of Irish fans will have his back, though, and Fleetwood, who will play with him, knows he might not be getting too much support -- a far cry from last year's Ryder Cup when he starred in Europe's victory over the U.S. in Paris.

"The atmosphere for us as golfers was just great. I loved it. For or against you, you can't help appreciate and love what today was and what tomorrow will be," Fleetwood said of the vibe at the first Open held in Northern Ireland for 68 years.

"Tomorrow is not going to be any quieter. And for sure tomorrow playing with Shane, last day, it's going to be more challenging to control yourself in the atmosphere and being in the middle of that. But that's what we're here for.

"I know what it's going to be like. I've had my fair share of support for the first three days. Hopefully there will still be some people out there rooting for me. But it's going to be harder than for the rest of the field, for sure."

Fleetwood grew up playing links golf in Southport and will be undaunted even if the weather closes in.

"I personally don't mind the conditions, whatever they are," the long-haired Fleetwood, still to win a major, said.

"I feel like I've had some of my best rounds in terrible, terrible conditions, where I've enjoyed grinding it out. Shane's not played in sunshine and no wind all his life. So it's not going to be a problem for him, either.

"I'm looking forward to it, to be honest with you. It's going to be another chapter in my career, no matter what happens. And it's going to be a very special day."

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open.

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open. Fleetwood was magnificent on Saturday as his five-under 66 lifted him to second in the leaderboard but Ireland's Lowry, roared on by the massive galleries, put everyone in the shade during the third round. Lowry, who comes from across the border in County Offaly, has become the darling of the fans who have flocked to the Northern Ireland coast and was imperious as he put together a stunning course-record 63 to open a four-shot lead. Bad weather is predicted on Sunday and Lowry, whose best previous major was second at the 2016 U.S. Open, will have some anxious moments over the next 24 hours. Thousands of Irish fans will have his back, though, and Fleetwood, who will play with him, knows he might not be getting too much support -- a far cry from last year's Ryder Cup when he starred in Europe's victory over the U.S. in Paris. "The atmosphere for us as golfers was just great. I loved it. For or against you, you can't help appreciate and love what today was and what tomorrow will be," Fleetwood said of the vibe at the first Open held in Northern Ireland for 68 years. "Tomorrow is not going to be any quieter. And for sure tomorrow playing with Shane, last day, it's going to be more challenging to control yourself in the atmosphere and being in the middle of that. But that's what we're here for. "I know what it's going to be like. I've had my fair share of support for the first three days. Hopefully there will still be some people out there rooting for me. But it's going to be harder than for the rest of the field, for sure." Fleetwood grew up playing links golf in Southport and will be undaunted even if the weather closes in. "I personally don't mind the conditions, whatever they are," the long-haired Fleetwood, still to win a major, said. "I feel like I've had some of my best rounds in terrible, terrible conditions, where I've enjoyed grinding it out. Shane's not played in sunshine and no wind all his life. So it's not going to be a problem for him, either. "I'm looking forward to it, to be honest with you. It's going to be another chapter in my career, no matter what happens. And it's going to be a very special day."

Tommy Fleetwood braced for wall of noise in British Open battle with Shane Lowry

Indian Shubhankar Sharma was serenaded with a chorus of "happy birthday" by the spectators at the 18th green at the British Open on Sunday, before proceeding to pour in a 45-foot birdie putt.

The 23-year-old finished his tournament with an excellent three-under-par 68 to finish three-over for the championship, currently enough for tied-52nd.

"I'm not used to doing much on my birthday, but the last two birthdays have been very special," said Sharma.

"Last year I was in the Open as well. I was in a restaurant and the whole restaurant got up and sang "Happy Birthday" for me. Now to see the grandstand singing it, it's very, very special.

"It's always special playing the Open. And this is just -- I couldn't ask for a better thing."

The world number 196 said he thinks that India, with its population of over 1.3 billion, will soon see more youngsters follow in his footsteps and become professional golfers.

"I feel like this is definitely changing now. We have so many more players now on the international stage," added Sharma, who played with world number one Brooks Koepka for the first two rounds at Royal Portrush.

"I definitely feel like we're headed in the right direction. Exposure is not a problem. I think kids have enough exposure."

Indian Shubhankar Sharma was serenaded with a chorus of "happy birthday" by the spectators at the 18th green at the British Open on Sunday, before proceeding to pour in a 45-foot birdie putt.

Indian Shubhankar Sharma was serenaded with a chorus of "happy birthday" by the spectators at the 18th green at the British Open on Sunday, before proceeding to pour in a 45-foot birdie putt. The 23-year-old finished his tournament with an excellent three-under-par 68 to finish three-over for the championship, currently enough for tied-52nd. "I'm not used to doing much on my birthday, but the last two birthdays have been very special," said Sharma. "Last year I was in the Open as well. I was in a restaurant and the whole restaurant got up and sang "Happy Birthday" for me. Now to see the grandstand singing it, it's very, very special. "It's always special playing the Open. And this is just -- I couldn't ask for a better thing." The world number 196 said he thinks that India, with its population of over 1.3 billion, will soon see more youngsters follow in his footsteps and become professional golfers. "I feel like this is definitely changing now. We have so many more players now on the international stage," added Sharma, who played with world number one Brooks Koepka for the first two rounds at Royal Portrush. "I definitely feel like we're headed in the right direction. Exposure is not a problem. I think kids have enough exposure."

India's golfer Shubhankar Sharma celebrates birthday with monster putt at British Open