Cameron Smith, the reigning major champion, faced a heartbreaking end to his Australian Open campaign when he failed to convert a short par putt on the final hole at Royal Melbourne. The miss not only cost him the tournament but also marked a frustrating chapter in his season, which has been marred by inconsistency since joining LIV Golf.

Smith had entered the final round with high hopes, trailing by just two shots. His performance throughout the tournament had shown glimpses of his best form, but the pressure of the final hole proved too much. After a solid approach shot, Smith stood over a five-foot putt that would have forced a playoff. However, he pulled the putt left, handing the title to Neergaard-Petersen, who secured his first DP World Tour win.

This defeat adds to Smith's woes this season, as he has struggled to find his rhythm since his move to LIV Golf, where the competition and format differ significantly from the PGA Tour. As he reflects on this missed opportunity, Smith will need to regroup quickly as he prepares for the upcoming events on the LIV circuit.