Elvis Smylie Shares Lead After 54 Holes in Impressive LIV Golf Debut

23-year-old rookie Elvis Smylie delivered a faultless, bogey-free 7-under 65 in the third round of ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh, vaulting him into a share of the lead with one round remaining. Competing in his first-ever LIV Golf League event as a member of Ripper GC, Smylie has posted rounds of 66, 69, and 65, showcasing remarkable consistency and control against a field of world-class professionals. “It was faultless, bogey-free 7-under,” Smylie said. “Felt like I was in total control of my shots out there today, and my putter is continuing to behave, which is nice.”

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Smylie credited his strong performance to growing comfort with the unique conditions at Riyadh Golf Club, including altitude, swirling wind, and night golf. “As the week is going on, I’m just getting more and more used to playing at the altitude,” he explained. “The wind is kind of swirling around a little bit, and I feel like I’m doing a little bit of a better job at those finesse 70 to 80 percent shots.” Working closely with caddie Brad Beecher, Smylie has focused on committing to specific numbers and giving himself plenty of birdie opportunities, a strategy that has paid dividends throughout the week.

The young Australian’s poise under pressure highlights the influx of emerging talent LIV Golf has welcomed to its roster. Smylie entered the event with high expectations for himself, relying on his caddie’s prior experience at the venue to help navigate the challenges. “Obviously my expectations were high on myself,” he said. “It’s a different environment playing at night. You’re playing at a little bit of altitude, as well.” Despite the unfamiliar setting, Smylie has remained composed, maintaining total control of his game and building momentum with each round.

Reflecting on the potential impact of a victory in his debut, Smylie emphasized both personal and team goals. “It would be really cool,” he said of winning the individual title. “It’s such a great environment for me to get better in, and to be able to get the individual win and then hopefully we can try and get up there in the team event, as well, that would be awesome.” A win would serve as a major confidence booster, proving he can compete against LIV’s elite field and establishing himself early in the season.

Smylie also highlighted the value of the team environment with Ripper GC. “We’ve had a lot of fun,” he said. “I think what the Rippers stand for is a really strong mateship amongst the group, especially with all the staff members, as well.” Having known captain Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, and Lucas Herbert for some time, Smylie has quickly integrated into the squad, appreciating the camaraderie that counters golf’s often isolating nature. “To be able to be in a team environment where you’re constantly learning off each other, I’m really enjoying that part.”

Looking ahead to the final round, Smylie plans to stay process-oriented rather than fixating on a target score. “I’m not really looking at a particular score,” he noted. “I’m more so just trying to execute my shots as best I can… It’s just about continuing to do what I’m doing and being calm out there and having good communication with my caddie.” With self-talk focused on maintaining his current form an “just keep doing what I’m doing.” Smylie enters Sunday in prime position to make a statement in his LIV Golf debut and cement his place among the league’s rising stars.

Quotes, data, and photos courtesy LIV Golf