Neergaard-Petersen claims his first DP World Tour title in Melbourne and secures a Masters ticket after a dramatic finish.
26-year-old Dane Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen captured his maiden DP World Tour title at the prestigious Royal Melbourne Golf Club, narrowly edging out home favorite Cam Smith to win the Crown Australian Open. With the victory, Neergaard-Petersen not only lifted the Stonehaven Cup but also secured a coveted invitation to the 2026 Masters at Augusta National.
Neergaard-Petersen carded a final-round 70, featuring three bogeys and four birdies, finishing the tournament at 15-under-par. The final round was a nail-biter, with Cam Smith tied for the lead heading into the 18th hole. However, a costly bogey on the last hole left Smith one shot behind, finishing solo second at 14-under. South Korea’s Si Woo Kim claimed third place at 13-under after a steady 70 on Sunday.
DP World Tour: Open Championship spots secured
Alongside Kim, Michael Hollick and Adam Scott also earned exemptions for the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale by finishing in the top five. The tournament served as a key qualifier for the major, adding further significance to the leaderboard positions.
McIlroy and Wiesberger in the mix
Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger delivered a solid performance, finishing T23 after an even-par 71 on Sunday. He had been level with world number two Rory McIlroy for much of the tournament. McIlroy closed with a 69 to climb into a tie for 14th at seven-under-par.
Germany’s Yannik Paul struggled over the weekend, posting a second consecutive 77 to finish 72nd at 11-over-par. Swiss player Joel Girrbach fared better, ending the event T51 at even par. Freddy Schott of Germany missed the cut on Friday.