The dust has now settled on the Australian Open, where Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen clinched an impressive victory.
Neergaard-Petersen won the Australian Open by one stroke, narrowly defeating home favorite Cam Smith at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
The success represents the Dane’s first on the DP World Tour, which co-sanctioned the event with the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.
Australian aces Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee also took part, while Rory McIlroy has already confirmed his presence at next year’s Australian Open following his appearance last week.
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen stunned after Australian Open win
Neergaard-Petersen has boosted his Ryder Cup chances with the win, but for now he’s simply basking in the glory of his triumph at Melbourne.
He wrote on Instagram: “It’s taken a few days to let everything sink in, but winning my first event on the DP World Tour really does mean a lot.
“It’s something I’ve dreamt about for as long as I can remember, and to finally make it happen still feels a bit unreal. I’m just genuinely so happy.
“The whole week was unbelievable. The crowds, the noise, the atmosphere – it all made the experience even better.
Which four players do you choose?
“Even if I wasn’t the favourite out there on Sunday, the support was class. Thank you to everyone who came out.
“Royal Melbourne… what a golf course. I’d been excited to play there all year, and the place is even better than I imagined. To win my first event on a course like that makes it even more special.
“To my team, my parents, and everyone who’s been with me from the beginning: thank you. This doesn’t happen without you.
“Going to enjoy this one for a minute, reflect on a big year, and then get going again in Dubai in January. PS: Augusta… see you in April.”
The big success at the Australian Open other than Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen
His Augusta message is a heartwarming send-off, with Neergaard-Petersen securing a spot at The Masters next year thanks to his win in Melbourne.
Danish ace Neergaard-Petersen has also climbed to 51st in the Official World Golf Ranking, but it wasn’t just the champion himself who won last week.
Which tournament would you like to see become the fifth major championship?
The Australian Open, for example, should almost be the fifth major. The market down there is huge with potential.
Rory McIlroy
The tournament itself was a huge success overall, with Royal Melbourne playing host to a truly fantastic spectacle.
The Australian Open could become golf’s fifth major, with fans and players alike having clearly really enjoyed all it had to offer.
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