Cameron Smith wins the Players Championship with big putts, gutsy shot on famed 17th

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Cameron Smith was unflappable as ever on a TPC Sawgrass stage that causes so much anxiety.

Through 13 holes in the final round at the Players Championship on Monday, Smith had only one par. With a 2-stroke lead on the par-3 17th hole and staring at an island green, he delivered the boldest shot of his career. When he punched out from under the trees and into the water on the closing hole, he never panicked.

Only after the 28-year-old Australian capped a long week with the biggest win of his career did he lose control of his emotions. This was more about family than his $3.6 million prize, his three-year exemption to the majors and his five-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

Waiting for him off the 18th green were his mother, Sharon, and his sister, Melanie, whom he had not seen in more than two years because of travel restrictions in Australia from the pandemic. They arrived a week before the Players Championship to see Smith in his adopted hometown of Ponte Vedra Beach.

And then he gave them the best treat of all.

“I haven’t seen them in two years. It’s really cool to have them here,” Smith said, his voice choking slightly. “My main priority really was just to hang out with them and golf was second for these few weeks. It’s nice to see them and nice to get a win for them.”

It was quite the joy ride, a dynamic conclusion to the longest week at the Players Championship filled with five days of bad weather and, ultimately, the high drama the Stadium Course typically delivers.

Smith one-putted eight of his last nine holes, including a birdie on the par-3 17th and a 3-foot bogey putt after hitting into the water on the 18th. That gave him a 6-under 66 for a 1-shot victory over Anirban Lahiri of India.

Leading by 2 on the par-3 17th hole, 135 yards to the hole on its famous island green, Smith split the difference in the 12 feet that separated the flag from the water. The ball ended up 4 feet away, and the Australian golfer made his record-tying…