Elvis Smylie Beats Mentor Cameron Smith to Claim First Australian PGA Championship
Elvis Smylie secured his maiden DP World Tour title at the BMW Australian PGA Championship, defeating former Open Champion Cameron Smith by two strokes with a final score of 14-under par.
Smiling golfer holding championship trophy
The 22-year-old left-hander, ranked World No.736 before the tournament, delivered a bogey-free final round 67 to claim victory in the season-opening DP World Tour event. The tournament was shortened to 54 holes due to extreme weather conditions in Brisbane.
Smylie's victory carries extra significance as he had previously been mentored by Smith through the Cameron Smith Scholarship program in 2019. The win grants him a full two-year exemption on the DP World Tour.
The final round saw Smylie demonstrate exceptional composure, particularly in his short game. Despite some struggles off the tee, he managed four birdies and crucial par saves down the stretch. The all-Australian top-five included Marc Leishman, Anthony Quayle, and David Micheluzzi.
Key highlights included:
- Wire-to-wire victory
- Bogey-free final round of 67
- Critical par save from a greenside bunker on the final hole
- Maintained composure against his former mentor Smith
"It's a dream come true," said Smylie after his victory. "Playing with Cam and Leish, who I've looked up to since I was a kid, and competing against them for the title - I've learned so much and am just so grateful."
The DP World Tour season continues with the ISPS Handa Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club, Melbourne.
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