Queenslander Elvis Smylie has made a dream LIV Golf debut, winning the tour’s opening event of the year in Saudi Arabia by one shot from Spanish star Jon Rahm.
Smylie, 23, shot a final round of eight-under 64 to post a winning score of 24-under at Riyadh Golf Club.
It was a superb round that also helped Smylie’s all-Australian Ripper GC outfit win the team event by three shots from Torque GC.
“It’s a dream come true,” said left-hander Smylie, who recently joined the Cameron Smith-led Ripper team, taking the spot previously occupied by Matt Jones.
“I wanted to come out here and make a statement. I wanted to prove that I’m one of the best out here, and I feel like I’ve done that, and it’s only up from here.
“I really just tried to embrace every moment. I knew there was a world-class field trying to chase me down, but I’ve got so many amazing people around me.
“It’s a special feeling.”
Elvis Smylie has made a dream LIV Golf debut, winning in Riyadh. Picture: Francois Nel/Getty Images
Smylie said the win – which pocketed him $A5.7 million – would give him a “huge amount of confidence” going into the LIV Adelaide event, which starts on Thursday at The Grange Golf Club.
“It’s going to be really exciting playing in front of a home crowd,” the Gold Coast product and 2024 Australian PGA Championship winner said.
“The great thing with LIV is it’s a global tour. You are playing many different courses in so many different countries and being able to experience it all with the Ripper guys is going to be very cool, and an experience I can’t wait for.”
Smith, who finished in a tie for 13th at 15-under after a final round of 65, said he was “extremely proud” of Smylie.
“I knew he was going to come out here and do some pretty great things,” Smith said.
“To win on debut is pretty great, probably really great. I probably wasn’t expecting that, but … I’ve watched him grow up as a person and as a golfer over the past six or seven years now, so it’s pretty cool to see.”