Australia star, Cameron Smith, has secured his second PGA tour victory after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii as he finished under 11 after beating Brendan Steele at the first extra hole. This would be his first solo PGA title as the first one was shared with Jonas Blixt in New Orleans back in 2017.

Smith’s victory started after playing a birdie for an under 68 that guaranteed his stand-off with American. Everything seemed in Steele’s favour as he started the final round leading by three shots.

Smith’s victory is a certain surprise, after starting off on the wrong foot, making three bogeys in the first round on Thursday. Of all the records the Australian made along with his victory, he is also the first person, since 2003, to win a PGA Tour after an awful start.

But Smith owes that to his resilience, as he said after the match that he is not very good at giving up and that was very evident on Sunday. He has always been a dogged fighter, proving himself at the President’s Cup last December.

Smith’s win also serves as a light in the dark clouds that hang over Australia as a result of the destruction caused by the fire that started before the New Year, killing some 400 million animals and destroying large amounts of land.

According to Smith, he hopes his victory gives his people something to smile about these tough times. He also matched his words with actions by donating a portion of his prize money, together with some other Australians. He pledged to donate $500 per birdie and $1000 per eagle he makes. His win moves him to the top 50 ranking worldwide and places him at the fifth spot in the FedEx Cup.

Written by: Leon Osamor