Elvis Smylie managed to win the DP World title after celebrating against Cameron Smith at the BMW Australian PGA Championship. The 22-year-old golfer, whom many had not heard of until this moment, did a great thing, defeating the biggest Australian star and the final. What is particularly interesting is that Smylie was mentored via the Cameron Smith Scholarship in 2019.
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This allowed the then 17-year-old Smylie to join Smith at his home in Florida, training and practicing with him. Immediately after the victory, Elvis couldn't hide his emotions, which were at their peak. He emphasized that winning this tournament is the realization of his dream. Playing against Smith and Leishman, and finding himself in such fierce competition wasn't what he expected. The 22-year-old pointed out that players like Smith have been his idols ever since he was practicing golf as a boy. He had the chance to learn many things from them. It seems that 'the student managed to defeat the teacher'.
"It's a dream come true. I just said to Matt (Clayton, caddie) that I won't forget this day, you know, playing with Cam and Leish there.
I looked up to these guys since I was a kid and just being in their presence and to compete against them for the title, I've learnt so much and just so grateful and so honoured right now."- Smylie said, as quoted by Golf Monthly.
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Smylie was happy with many aspects of the game, such as the short game, emphasizing that it was great. Elvis admits that he was average when it comes to off the tee, but points out that golf is a game where you can't always excel in every aspect. It wasn't easy to deal with the pressure, especially when you know what kind of names are playing next to you, but Smylie told himself that he must do his best, execute the shots as best as he can, and he believes that he deserved to achieve such a victory.
The young golfer didn't forget to mention the greatest support, stressing that his mother and father were his support on this journey. He noticed his mother shedding tears before he holed the last putt. Smyelie points out that many people were with him on this journey, knowing how important this was to him in his career. After such a victory, many paths will open for the young Australian, who surprised everyone. Many expected him to falter and be defeated by more experienced and well-known golfers. However, his focus and composure remained until the very end.
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The consistency he had during the entire tournament probably surprised Smith as well, who tried to catch the rhythm and match the level of play that Smylie showed. However, he was unsuccessful in this task. LIV Golfer was certainly the main favorite according to many, but young golfers like Smylie were determined to spoil the plans for the 31-year-old. Although at some moments it seemed that Elvis could experience a fall, and spoil everything he had previously built, he managed to stay focused until the very end, as we have already pointed out earlier. It'll be interesting to follow his game and progress in the coming months, and see how much he can really do.
We have no doubt that after such a tournament there will be much more pressure on him, considering that Elvis has shown that he can match the best of this sport.
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Cameron Smith on LIV Golf
Cameron Smith, on the other hand, remains focused on his career at LIV Golf, hoping that next year will look a little better. The Australian is optimistic that LIV Golf can really experience progress and do great things in the future. During Straight Talk with Marik Bourig, Smith pointed out that LIV Golf will progress, considering that already individuals within this Tour are doing great things.
Smith is proud that LIV Golf is a world-renowned brand, stressing that they travel a lot, and present their extension at every deal on the planet. The 31-year-old is obviously someone who advocates for golf to become a global game, primarily for golf to come to Australia. LIV Golf fulfilled his wish, but Smith wants this sport to be a part of every corner of the planet.
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LIV Golf officials want to record growth in the coming years and become a Tour that will lead the way on the golf scene. Smith will certainly be the key to their operations, along with many other stars of this Tour. The Australian is looking forward to the challenges of next year and the opportunity he will have. We have no doubt that Cmaeorn can do much more than what he has shown.
