Smylie stuns Cameron Smith to claim Australian PGA title
Local golfer Elvis Smylie, aged 22, successfully fended off former British Open champion Cameron Smith, 31, during the final stretch to secure victory at the Australian PGA Championship held at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane on Sunday.
The young Queenslander recorded a four-under-par 67, concluding the tournament with a total score of 14-under, which was shortened to 54 holes due to heavy rainfall that disrupted play on Friday.
Cameron Smith finished his final round with a score of 69, placing him two strokes behind at 12-under, while fellow Australians Marc Leishman (69) and Anthony Quayle (63) trailed by one additional shot.
"This is a dream come true," Smylie expressed following his inaugural victory on the DP World Tour. "I will always remember this day spent competing alongside Cam and Marc Leishman."
"They are players I have admired since childhood, and being able to compete against them for a title has taught me so much. I feel incredibly grateful and honored at this moment."
Smylie began the day strongly, achieving back-to-back birdies to reach 12-under, but it was at the sixth hole where he truly took control, increasing his lead over Smith to two shots with a birdie, while the three-time champion recorded a bogey on the same hole.
By the turn, Smylie had gained four shots, while Smith managed only one, consisting of four birdies and three bogeys, leaving him three strokes behind the leader.
At the 12th hole, Smylie made a crucial 30-foot putt to save par and maintained his composure despite some erratic tee shots.
Smith's challenge intensified when he chipped in at the 17th, narrowing Smylie's lead to two shots as they approached the final hole. However, both players found themselves in the same greenside bunker after their tee shots.
Smith was unable to convert his shot from the sand, while Smylie successfully placed his attempt within a few feet of the hole.
"My short game was excellent; it definitely saved me today," Smylie remarked. "I was not at my best off the tee, but golf is inherently imperfect, and today was a testament to that."
SportsLigue