Oliver Wilson left in awe after Elvis Smylie’s ‘life-changing’ LIV Golf Riyadh victory - ‘It was faultless’
Updated 07/02/2026 at 23:04 GMT
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Elvis Smylie marked his LIV Golf debut with a statement victory, fending off two-time major winner Jon Rahm to seal a one-shot win in Riyadh. The birdies were flowing as the first event of the 2026 season reached a dramatic climax but it was the 23-year-old Australian rookie who rose to the occasion to take the title. Up next is the hotly anticipated LIV Golf Adelaide event from February 12-15.
Highlights: Smylie fends off Rahm charge to secure victory at LIV Golf Riyadh
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports expert Oliver Wilson was left in awe after Elvis Smylie fired a closing eight-under 64 to pip two-time major winner Jon Rahm by a shot and seal victory in Riyadh on his LIV Golf debut.
The Australian showed composure well beyond his 23 years to deny one of the game’s most formidable competitors and scoop the $4 million (£2.95m) top prize in the opening tournament of the season.
Smylie joined Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC for the 2026 season and could hardly have made a stronger start.
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He began the day tied for the lead with RangeGoats GC’s Peter Uihlein but separated himself from his rivals with four birdies in five holes from the 12th.
He was, however, made to work for it after Rahm’s impressive finish. The reigning individual champion closed with four straight birdies to leave Smylie needing a par or better for the title, and he nervelessly completed the win with a two-putt from 50 feet.
"It looked like he’d been playing golf for decades," two-time DP World Tour winner Wilson said on TNT Sports. "He was very, very comfortable. He left himself a tough two-putt and the putt that he had [on 18] from 50, 60 feet, to roll it so close was phenomenal.
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Ripper GC win team trophy at LIV Golf Riyadh
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He seems to have many strengths and doesn’t seem to have any weaknesses. To come out and win your first event – I think only one other person has done that, Henrik Stenson in 2022 – is a pretty impressive start.
"That’s life-changing when you’re starting out. For a lot of these guys, it’s not going to change their lives, it’s an amazing amount of money and we find ourselves talking in millions, which is ridiculous. It’s amazing.
"But, for him at his age, to win that kind of money and to come down the stretch and play as he did when that’s on the line, is very impressive. He did everything right, it was faultless."
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'I'm one of the best out here'
Both on and off the course, Smylie made a big statement in Riyadh. After his storming performance, the Australian insisted he had already showed he was "one of the best" players on the circuit.
If his Saturday in Saudi Arabia is anything to go by, it is hard to argue his point. He still has to prove he can sustain a high level across an entire season but is not short on confidence.
"It’s a dream come true," Smylie said. "I really didn’t know what to expect this week. Playing at night is a whole different ball game out here and I wanted to come out and make a statement.
"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.
Ripper GC win team trophy at LIV Golf Riyadh
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I really just tried to embrace every moment tonight. I knew there was a world-class field trying to chase me down, but I’ve got so many amazing people around me and it’s an amazing feeling.
"It gives me a huge amount of confidence to take into next week in Adelaide. It’s going to be in front of a great crowd. Being able to experience it all with the Ripper guys is going to be very cool – it’s an experience I can’t wait for."
Winning Ripper GC captain Smith also heaped praise on Smylie after his performance.
"I’m so proud of him," Smith said. "I knew he was going to come out here and play well but to do that is pretty special.
"To do that in your first event with Rahmbo breathing down your neck is impressive. I think we’re in for a good year."
Up next is the LIV Golf Adelaide event from February 12-15, one of the most highly-anticipated stops on the calendar, with the action live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Watch and stream the LIV Golf season live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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