Cameron Smith wins opening PGA Event in Hawaii

Sentry Tournament of Champions - Final Round

LAHAINA, HAWAII - JANUARY 09: Cameron Smith of Australia celebrates with the trophy after winning during the final round of the Sentry Tournament of Champions at the Plantation Course at Kapalua Golf Club on January 09, 2022 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

Australian Cameron Smith shot down world number 1 Jon Rahm in a thrilling final-round duel at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii to win the opening US PGA Tour event of the year in record fashion.

Smith closed out his week with an eight-under-par 65 to finish at a PGA Tour record 34-under, one stroke clear of playing partner Rahm, securing a wire-to-wire victory in Maui after the pair started the final day sharing the lead.

Ernie Els won at 31-under in 2003, and that was the PGA Tour record for shots under par.

While Smith became the fourth Australian to win the tournament, his compatriot Matt Jones charged home with two eagles on the back nine in a sparkling 61 to grab third spot at 32-under, as he also took advantage of the favourable scoring conditions on the Plantation Course at the Kapalua Resort.

Smith made eight birdies, including one on the 18th in a bogey-free round, but was never more than two shots ahead as Rahm (66) remained in contention and Jones backed up a 62 a day ago with an even more remarkable 18 holes to set a PGA Tour record for the lowest two-round score.

Jones's round included holing out for eagle on the 13th and a 4-foot eagle putt on the 15th as he made multiple eagles for the second successive day.

The victory sets up Smith for a big year, having now won on tour for three successive seasons.

As a result of the win he is projected to enter the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time.