Australia’s hopes of finally finding a victor in the Links Championship have evaporated in Scotland, but only after one more glorious moment for Cam Smith at St Andrews.
On a day when the 20-strong Aussie challenge petered out tamely at the prestigious three-course event after an encouraging week, the highlight proved Smith sinking a 49-foot eagle putt on the 18th at the Old Course where he won the British Open back in 2022.
Alas, it was not enough to help the 33-year-old contend for the individual prize at St Andrews on Sunday (Monday AEDT) as he was one of 18 Australians who failed to make the cut, with only Melbourne’s Cameron John and Sydney’s Declan O’Donovan surviving to the final day.
John’s four-under 68 at Kingsbarns and O’Donovan’s 73 at the Old Course left them on seven-under, but they’re lying a distant 11 shots off the lead held by South African Casey Jarvis, who’s already a two-time winner on the European tour in 2026.
Overnight leader Jarvis holed out for eagle on his first hole at St Andrews and used that moment of brilliance as a platform to shoot a flawless seven-under 65, opening up a two-shot advantage over England’s Matthew Jordan and Poland’s Adrian Meronk, who shot 66 and 63, respectively, at Kingsbarns.
“I know I’m going to be feeling pressure tomorrow,” conceded Jarvis, victor at the Kenya Open and South African Open in consecutive weeks in February.
“I have won twice this year, so I kind of know how to deal with it a little better. I still know I’m going to feel first tee nerves and pressure throughout the day.”
Smith’s eagle left him on five-under after missing the cut by one, but his consolation was that he was in the top-20 in the team event and would be back for the final day to help his amateur partner in the pro-am.
Matt Fitzpatrick (66), coming off a victory last week in France, is six shots adrift, along with defending champion Robert MacIntyre (68), while five-time major winner Brooks Koepka shot 70 on the Old Course to sit eight back.
“Every golfer dreams of taking a lead, playing the Old Course on Sunday,” Jarvis said. “I got goosebumps right now just standing here. I just can’t wait for tomorrow.”
