Anirban Lahiri misses narrowly as Cameron Smith wins The Players Championship

golf dominated by players trying to smash balls as close to the green as possible, Cameron Smith continues to show how important a world-class short game remains. The Australian continually worked his way out of trouble with crisp iron shots and clutch putts to win The Players Championship by one shot over India's Anirban Lahiri in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. in a rare Monday finish. Smith posted a 6-under-par 66 in his final round for a total score of 13-under 275, earning his fifth and biggest PGA Tour victory at TPC Sawgrass. He also claimed a record $3.6 million winner's check.

"It's unreal," Smith said. "A long, hard week and so nice to come out on top. This is one of the big ones. It's nice to get it done." Smith trailed Lahiri by two shots when the third round was finally completed Monday morning. Smith eliminated the deficit with four consecutive birdies to begin his final round to take the solo lead at 11 under. He appeared poised to run away with the biggest victory of his career, but Smith promptly let the lead slip away with three consecutive bogies to finish his front nine. By the time Lahiri made the turn in the final group, he was one of 12 players within two shots of the lead. That was despite having to take a drop near a merchandise tent after taking an unplayable lie well left on par-3 eighth.

Lahri, Smith, England's Paul Casey and American Keegan Bradley each held at least a share of the lead at times down the stretch. Smith struggled mightily off the tee, but he one-putted each of the first six holes on the back nine. After duck-hooking his drive off the par-5 16th, he hit two excellent shots to reach the green in regulation and save par. Smith then stuck his tee shot on the iconic par-3 17th hole to 4