The 28-year-old Australian stayed 34 shots short of the course standard in his win. Smith needed the fewest shots in an event on the PGA Tour. At the end he played a round of 65 and with a total of 258 shots he needed one try less than world number one Jon Rahm from Spain. Third place went to Australian Matt Jones with a total of 260 strokes.
The South African Ernie Els had previously held the record, who also stayed in Hawaii in 2003, 31 shots below the course standard. The last player to hit 30 under par was American Dustin Johnson at the 2020 tournament in New Jersey.
“It was intense,” Smith said following the thrilling three-way battle on the final lap of the par 73 course. “Jonny and I played well all day. Matty in the group in front of us also played brilliantly. Yes, it was an unreal round. Something I will definitely never forget.” Smith received almost $1.5 million in prize money for his fourth success on the US tour. Only winners of the 2021 PGA Tour were eligible to enter the $8.2 million event.
Source: dpa
