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Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen posts first message after shock Australian Open win
Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images

It’s been a busy weekend for golf, and the 2024 Australian Open certainly didn’t disappoint.

Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen’s breakthrough victory at the Australian Open is still reverberating across the golf world. The 24-year-old clinched the title by a single stroke, edging home favourite Cameron Smith at the iconic Royal Melbourne Golf Club. The event, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, delivered a world-class field that included Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee and, for the first time, Rory McIlroy — who has already committed to returning next year.

Now, days after lifting the biggest trophy of his career, Neergaard-Petersen has shared his first reaction on social media — and his words make it clear he is still processing the magnitude of the moment.

Neergaard-Petersen ‘still stunned’ after maiden DP World Tour win


Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images

Posting on Instagram, Neergaard-Petersen admitted it has taken time for his triumph to feel real. He wrote that winning his first DP World Tour event is something he had dreamed about “for as long as I can remember,” adding that the reality “still feels a bit unreal.”

He praised the atmosphere throughout the week, describing the crowds and energy at Royal Melbourne as “unbelievable,” and thanked fans for their support — especially on Sunday when he was not the favourite. He also singled out Royal Melbourne itself, calling it “even better than I imagined” and saying that earning his first title on such a storied course made the win “even more special.”

The Dane went on to thank his parents, his team and everyone who has backed him throughout his journey. He closed by saying he will enjoy the moment briefly before gearing up for the Dubai event in January, ending with a message that symbolises how life-changing the victory is: “PS: Augusta… see you in April.”

A victory that reverberates beyond the champion

Neergaard-Petersen’s win has elevated him to 51st in the Official World Golf Ranking and secured him an invitation to The Masters, marking the next major step in his career. It has also strengthened his Ryder Cup prospects, adding another layer of significance to his Melbourne triumph.

Beyond the individual achievement, the 2025 Australian Open emerged as a major success for the tournament itself. Royal Melbourne delivered a spectacular and widely praised showcase, reigniting discussions about whether the Australian Open could evolve into golf’s unofficial “fifth major.”

With strong player feedback, enthusiastic crowds and a captivating champion, the event’s momentum appears stronger than ever — and Neergaard-Petersen’s breakthrough has only amplified that storyline heading into 2026.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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