Guernsey Press

Open champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start

The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.

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Open champion Cameron Smith has won his first LIV Golf trophy and four million dollars (£3.5 million) in prize money in just his second start in the competition.

The Australian, who left the PGA Tour for the controversial Saudi-backed tournament after becoming number two in the world – the highest-ranked player to join, closed with a three-under 69 for a three-shot victory at the Chicago Invitational.

The 29-year-old was briefly threatened in the third and final round at Rich Harvest Farms but he restored his lead with a birdie on the 17th to ensure neither Dustin Johnson nor Peter Uihlein could catch him.

Cameron Smith winner of the LIV Golf Invitational-Chicago tournament stands with third place finisher Peter Uihlein, left, and second place finisher Dustin Johnson
Cameron Smith, winner of the LIV Golf Invitational-Chicago tournament, with Peter Uihlein (left) and Dustin Johnson (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

Johnson is the only player from the 48-man field to have finished in the top 10 at every LIV Golf event and he remains one of the most significant players to sign up.

The 38-year-old is a two-time major champion who was number one in the world longer than any player since Tiger Woods.

Cameron Smith watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational-Chicago tournament on Sunday
Cameron Smith watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational-Chicago tournament on Sunday (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

The series does not return to America until the final team event at Trump Doral near Miami in October.

As well as Smith and Johnson, the Saudi-backed rebel tour has attracted Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

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