Elvis Smylie Wins LIV Golf Debut: What’s In His Bag?

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a stunning debut, 23-year-old Elvis Smylie of Ripper GC has claimed his first LIV Golf title at the Roshn Group LIV Golf Riyadh, defeating Legion XIII Captain Jon Rahm by a single stroke. Smylie fired a bogey-free, final-round 8-under 64 at Riyadh Golf Club on February 7, 2026, marking a breakthrough moment for the young Australian and a significant shakeup in the early season standings.

The victory wasn’t just about the individual triumph; Ripper GC, led by Smylie and including Cam Smith, secured the team title with a dominant 69-under par performance, finishing three shots ahead of Torque GC and ten ahead of 4Aces. This clean sweep underscores the strength of the all-Australian team and sets a high bar for competition as the LIV Golf season unfolds.

Smylie’s performance was a masterclass in consistency and precision. The final-round 64 showcased not only exceptional ball-striking but also a composed performance on the greens. He navigated the course flawlessly, carding eight birdies without a single blemish on his scorecard. While Rahm mounted a late charge with a 9-under 63, Smylie’s earlier momentum proved insurmountable.

“It’s a dream come true,” Smylie said, reflecting on his debut win. “Playing at night is a whole different ball game out here, but I wanted to come out here and make a statement. I wanted to prove I’m one of the best out here and I feel I’ve done that and it’s only up from here.” The win earns Smylie a substantial $4 million first prize, a career-altering sum for the rising star.

The competition with Rahm was particularly compelling. The Spaniard’s closing round put immense pressure on Smylie, but the rookie remained unfazed, demonstrating a maturity beyond his years. This head-to-head battle highlighted the growing depth of talent within LIV Golf and the increasing competitiveness of the league.

Peter Uihlein finished in solo third place at 21-under par, continuing his strong form and demonstrating his consistency on the LIV Golf circuit. Abraham Ancer and Thomas Pieters tied for fourth at 20-under, further illustrating the high level of play throughout the field.

Smylie’s equipment choices played a role in his success. He relied on a Titleist GT3 driver with a 10° loft and a Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X shaft for distance off the tee. His fairway play benefited from a Ping G440 MAX 3 wood with a 15° loft and a Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X shaft. His iron setup was a blend of Titleist clubs – T200 (3-iron) and T100 (4-9 irons) – paired with Nippon NS Pro Modus3 Tour 120 shafts (X-Flex for 3-6 and 8-9, TX for the 7-iron). For his short game, Smylie trusted Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges with lofts of 46°, 56°, 58°, and 60°. He putted with a Titleist-Scotty Cameron Newport GS blade and used a Titleist Pro V1x Plus golf ball.

This victory is particularly noteworthy as it’s the first time a player has won on their LIV Golf debut since Henrik Stenson in 2022. Smylie’s achievement signals a potential shift in the league’s competitive landscape, demonstrating that newcomers can immediately contend for titles. The win also marks the first event for which LIV Golf has been awarded Official World Golf Ranking points, with Smylie earning 23 points for his performance.

The Roshn Group LIV Golf Riyadh event was the first 72-hole tournament of the season, and Smylie’s performance sets a high standard for the remaining events. The league now moves to Adelaide for the next tournament, where players will look to build on the momentum generated in Riyadh. The team competition will also continue to be fiercely contested, with Ripper GC now establishing themselves as early favorites.

Smylie’s win is not just a personal triumph but also a boost for Australian golf. His success on the international stage will undoubtedly inspire aspiring golfers back home and further elevate the profile of the sport in Australia. The young star’s composure under pressure and his ability to deliver when it mattered most suggest a bright future for him on the LIV Golf circuit and beyond.

The $20 million purse was distributed among the individual competitors, with Smylie taking home the lion’s share. The team competition also saw significant payouts, with Ripper GC receiving a portion of the $10 million team event prize fund. The financial rewards offered by LIV Golf continue to attract top talent and contribute to the league’s growing prominence in the world of professional golf.