Mickelson meltdown and a 7-shot win for Cam Smith in LIV Golf

Mickelson’s pursuit of his inaugural LIV Golf championship underwent a stunning and premature unraveling, setting the stage for Cam Smith’s commanding triumph at LIV Golf-Bedminster. A dramatic narrative unfolded on Sunday as Phil Mickelson, thrust into the final group for the first time since joining the Saudi-funded circuit, saw his aspirations disintegrate with two ill-fated tee shots finding water hazards, culminating in a discouraging quintuple-bogey 8 on the par-3 seventh hole at Trump National.

Meanwhile, Cam Smith, not one to let adversity impede his path, exhibited a remarkable display of ease en route to his victory. Although Smith faced early challenges with two bogeys that narrowed his lead over Mickelson to a mere three strokes, his unwavering determination shone through. Closing his round with an impeccable scorecard marked by five birdies, Smith carded a steady 3-under 68, securing an insurmountable seven-shot advantage.

The ramifications of Smith’s triumph extended beyond the confines of this single event, as he claimed his second victory in three LIV Golf competitions, strategically positioning himself at the forefront of the season-long points race. This strategic positioning holds the potential to earn him the coveted $18 million bonus at the culmination of the season, a feat that would undoubtedly solidify his status as a prominent figure in the golfing world.

In the aftermath of the resounding victory, Smith’s impressive earnings reached new heights, with a purse of $4 million contributing to his total winnings of slightly over $13.6 million for the year. Yet, Smith’s celebrations were coupled with a commitment to give his loyal clubs a well-deserved hiatus for the initial weeks of his well-earned break. Additionally, Smith’s prowess was evident in the team competition, where his Ripper team sealed their dominance with an 11-shot lead.

As the curtain drew on the LIV Golf event at Bedminster, Mickelson concluded the tournament with a final round score of 75. Despite the challenges faced, Mickelson managed to secure a respectable tie for ninth place, marking his first top-ten finish of the year. His week had been rife with attention, and the revelations from gambler Billy Walters’ book, which surfaced just before the event, only added to the drama. The book claimed that Mickelson had placed bets exceeding $1 billion over three decades, allegations Mickelson vehemently denied.

With this chapter of LIV Golf now concluded, the tour is poised for a hiatus lasting the next five weeks, before resuming action in a new location outside Chicago. As the golf world reflects on the eventful competition at Bedminster, Cam Smith’s triumphant journey takes center stage, a testament to his resilience, skill, and unyielding pursuit of excellence in the realm of LIV Golf.