Elvis Smylie makes a statement on tour debut by winning LIV Golf Riyadh title
Australian outduels Jon Rahm to claim US$30 million prize, also wins team title with Ripper GC, beating Torque GC by 3 shots
Elvis Smylie will be hard-pressed to outdo his debut after winning LIV Golf Riyadh on Saturday night.
The 23-year-old lefty from Australia outduelled Jon Rahm to capture the US$30 million title at Riyadh Golf Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Smylie, who had not won outside of his home country, tapped in a three-foot par putt under the lights to close LIV’s first 72-hole tournament on a 24-under-par total of 264.
“I wanted to come out here and make a statement,” Smylie said. “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.”
Smylie, who entered the final round tied for the lead with Peter Uihlein, fired an eight-under 64 to edge Rahm by one shot.
The Spaniard delivered the round of the tournament – a 63 – to push Smylie to the limit as he closed with four straight birdies.