Elvis Smylie: The son of famous Australian tennis players has officially announced his arrival in the LIV Golf world by claiming a stunning victory during his debut in Riyadh.
A Bright Beginning in LIV Golf
February 8, 2026 — 8:39 AM
In a remarkable first outing as a LIV Golf competitor, Elvis Smylie achieved an impressive feat, earning $4.75 million (approximately $6.8 million AUD) after triumphing in the season's inaugural event held under the dazzling lights of Saudi Arabia.
With an impeccable score of eight-under-par 64, Smylie overshadowed even the formidable Jon Rahm on Saturday evening, clinching a narrow one-shot victory at the Riyadh Golf Club while demonstrating resilience against the pressure from the Spanish two-time major champion.
Not only did he secure individual glory, but Smylie also contributed to his team, ‘Ripper GC,’ alongside his Australian teammates, leading to a substantial financial reward that far surpassed any earnings he had previously amassed. Previously, after winning the Australian PGA Championship in late 2024—the highlight of his young career—he received a check for $340,000 AUD. In contrast, his winnings in Riyadh included $4 million USD ($5.7 million AUD) for his individual success and an additional $750,000 USD ($1.1 million AUD) as part of the team prize.
A Milestone in World Rankings
This event marked a significant moment in LIV golf history, as the top ten finishers were awarded world ranking points for the first time. This achievement propelled Smylie into the top 100 players globally, bringing him closer to qualifying for prestigious major tournaments throughout the year.
Despite these accolades, the 23-year-old left-hander—who is the son of former tennis stars Liz and Peter Smylie—expressed a greater enthusiasm for the significance of his victory rather than the financial gains it brought.
As Rahm surged ahead with four consecutive birdies to conclude his nine-under round, Smylie faced the pressure of needing to par the final hole to secure his win. He managed to reach the edge of the green with his approach shot and calmly executed two putts to clinch his victory.
"It’s a dream come true. I really didn’t know what to expect this week, playing at night is obviously a whole different ball game out here," Smylie shared. "I wanted to come out and make a statement. I aimed to prove that I’m among the best out here, and I feel like I’ve accomplished that. The only way from here is up."
A Flawless Performance
Smylie's performance was nothing short of stellar, as he dropped just two shots throughout the entire week, finishing with a cumulative score of 24-under 264. Remarkably, he completed his last 39 holes at 17-under-par without a single bogey.
"Outwardly, I might have seemed calm and composed, which is something I work diligently on with my sports psychologist back home, Michael Lloyd," Smylie reflected, noting that his sister Laura was there to cheer him on throughout the tournament. "I truly tried to soak in every moment, knowing there was a world-class field chasing me down. It feels special."
This victory was Smylie’s first since securing his home PGA title at Royal Queensland in November 2024, potentially validating his decision to join LIV following a somewhat lackluster experience on the European tour during 2025.
Looking ahead, he is excited about his next LIV event, which will be held in Adelaide, Australia, stating, "This gives me a significant boost of confidence; I can’t wait to play in front of my home crowd."
Team Success and Mentorship
The Ripper GC’s debut with Smylie on their roster proved to be a resounding success, with Lucas Herbert finishing tied for ninth at 17-under, Cam Smith in thirteenth at 15-under, and Marc Leishman in twenty-second at 13-under, collectively achieving a remarkable total of 69-under, three shots ahead of their competition.
Cam Smith, who has been a mentor to Smylie since the young golfer received the inaugural scholarship from the 2022 British Open champion in 2019, watched with pride as Smylie flourished, even amid Rahm’s relentless pursuit.
"I’m so proud of him. I knew he would perform well down here, but what he achieved this week was truly special. To deliver such a performance in your first event with Rambo breathing down your neck is incredibly impressive. I believe we’re set for a fantastic year ahead," Smith remarked.
Smylie, confident in his potential, concluded, "Cam is exceptional at what he does, and I feel I have so much to learn from him. I believe I’m only going to improve from here on out."
In this exciting new chapter for Smylie and LIV Golf, one can't help but wonder: what does the future hold for this rising star? Are we witnessing the birth of a new golfing legend, or will the pressure of the spotlight prove too great? Share your thoughts!
