Elvis Smylie will be hard-pressed to outdo his LIV Golf debut.
The 23-year-old lefty from Australia outdueled Jon Rahm to capture the $30 million LIV Golf Riyadh title on Saturday at Riyadh Golf Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Smylie, who had not won outside of his home country, tapped in a 3-foot par putt under the lights to close LIV’s first 72-hole tournament at 24-under-par 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 8-under 64 to edge Rahm by 1 shot. The Spaniard delivered the round of the tournament – a 63 – to push Smylie to the limit as he closed with four straight birdies.
“I think four rounds is better golf and better for the players who are playing good golf that week,” Rahm said. “It also gives you more time for a comeback, but if you’re playing good, it gives you more time to get a lead.”
Uihlein wrapped his tournament with a 5 under 67 to claim third place by himself. Belgium’s Thomas Pieters (65), Spain’s David Puig (65) and Mexico’s Abraham Ancer (66) shared fourth at 268.
Not only did Smylie collect his first LIV title, he and his three teammates from Australia claimed the team title as well. Smylie, captain Cameron Smith, Lucas Herbert and Marc Leishman finished at 69 under to give Ripper GC a 3-shot win over Torque GC.
–Field Level Media
