Elvis Smylie Claims Dramatic Debut Victory at LIV Golf Riyadh

23-year-old Australian rookie Elvis Smylie etched his name into LIV Golf history by winning on his league debut at ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh, finishing at 24-under par after a final-round 64 to edge Jon Rahm by one stroke. The Ripper GC newcomer led the field in driving accuracy and greens in regulation, showcasing complete command throughout the week. “It’s a dream come true,” Smylie said. “I really didn’t know what to expect this week… 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.”

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The victory marked the first debut win in LIV Golf since Henrik Stenson in 2022. Smylie maintained composure under pressure, even as Rahm mounted a late charge. “I knew guys behind me were making birdies, especially Jon,” he explained. “I actually didn’t know that I had to two-putt the last green… As soon as I was walking up the green, I saw that I only had one (shot lead), so I’m like, I’ve got to clutch up here.” His winning putt on the 18th unleashed visible emotion, a release after staying calm and process-focused all week.

Smylie credited his hot putter as the decisive weapon, noting a switch to a new Scotty Cameron blade putter this week. “My putting, without a doubt,” he said. “The guys at Scotty Cameron over in America were able to build me up just a normal blade… It’s amazing when you see something new, it kind of frees you up a little bit, and I felt like that’s what it did for me this week.” Combined with precise ball-striking and strong course management at altitude and under lights, the performance delivered a statement win against a world-class field.

Captain Cameron Smith, who has mentored Smylie since awarding him a scholarship in 2019, expressed immense pride in his protégé’s breakthrough. “Extremely proud,” Smith said. “I knew he was going to come out here and do some pretty great things. To win on debut is pretty great… I’ve watched him grow up as a person and as a golfer over the past six or seven years now.” Smith highlighted Smylie’s mentality, grit, and Queensland roots, predicting even greater heights ahead.

The emotional support system behind Smylie was evident throughout his reflections. He thanked his parents—both former professional tennis players—for instilling a winning mindset, along with his sister, brother-in-law, performance manager Tony Meyer, and sports psychologist Michael Lloyd. “It doesn’t just take one person to get me where I am; it requires a village,” he said. “I’ve got so many amazing people around me, and it’s a special feeling.”

Smylie’s triumph provides a massive confidence boost heading into next week’s event in Adelaide, where he will compete in front of a home crowd. “It gives me a huge amount of confidence,” he noted. “The great thing with LIV is it’s a global tour… being able to experience it all with the Ripper guys is going to be very cool.” He also expressed gratitude for learning from teammates like Smith, emphasizing the team’s strong mateship and the unique environment that fosters growth.

Looking ahead, Smith offered high praise for Smylie’s potential. “I think he’s already decided,” Smith said. “I think Elvis wants to be one of the best players in the world. He proved it this week… I genuinely think he can be the best golfer in the world. He’s got all the tools of the trade. He just needs to keep doing what he’s doing and knuckle down.” Smylie’s debut victory not only signals the arrival of a major new talent but also underscores the depth and excitement of LIV Golf’s evolving roster.

Quotes, data, and photos courtesy LIV Golf