MELBOURNE, Australia — Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen won the Australian Open on Sunday and earned a spot in the Masters when he scrambled for par on the final hole at Royal Melbourne for a 1-under 70 to crush the hopes of home favorite Cam Smith, who missed a 5-foot par putt to force a playoff.

Neergaard-Petersen, who secured a PGA Tour card for 2026 through his play on the European tour, won his first professional title on a major tour by holing a 10-foot par putt. Augusta National this year began offering an invitation to the winner of the Australian Open.

Smith and Neergaard-Petersen came to the 72nd hole tied at 15-under par after a thrilling contest over the last nine holes. The Dane went after the right pin and it faded beyond the bunker into difficult rough. He did well to flop that t

See Full Page