Cameron Smith became the first Australian since Greg Norman wins The Openand then refused to rule out a spillover to his compatriot’s Saudi-backed LIV series.
Telegraph Sport understand that Norman is pursuing the prospect of an all-Australian team that would include both Smith and Adam Scott.
Henrik Stenson, meanwhile, is likely to be stripped of his Ryder Cup captaincy as expectations mount that he will also join the Rebels as the 150th championship in St Andrews is over.
Telegraph Sport understands that the DP World Tour has not yet been notified of any change in Stenson’s status and that a decision has not yet been made.
Smith had staged one of the best back nines in Old Course history to shatter the home crowd’s hopes and extend Rory McIlroy’s waiting period for another major to nine years.
The Australian’s 268 over the four days to 20-under equals the lowest total to par in majors history. It was also the lowest ever in St Andrews, beating Tiger Woods’ 269 in 2000 to finish 19 under. “This one is for Oz,” the 28-year-old said afterwards.
LIV supremo Norman was the last Australian to lift the Claret Jug in 1993 and Smith did nothing on Sunday night to quell rumors he could join the rebels.
He initially said it was “not good” to be asked about the breakout, which has been an unwelcome afterthought for the past week. “I don’t know, mate,” he finally replied. “My team around me worries about all those things. I’m here to win golf tournaments.”
Smith’s stunning 64 came when McIlroy sacrificed a two-shot lead midway through the final round, finishing in a 70 hampered by yips. “The putter went cold on me,” McIlroy said.
The Australian, who had fallen off the pace by four with a third round of 73, fired eight birdies – including five in a row from 10th. American Cameron Young also made a brilliant eagle on the 18th in his closing 65 to force Smith off two feet for his final birdie, forcing McIlroy to need his own eagle to force a four-hole playoff.
However, the 33-year-old was unable to produce a moment of magic and had to settle for a par that allowed Smith to celebrate an extraordinary victory in the Home of Golf.