Australian PGA Championship: Elvis Smylie holds off Cameron Smith to win
Elvis Smylie beat former Open champion Cameron Smith on the back nine at the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane on Sunday.
The 22-year-old Queenslander shot a four-under 67 to finish on 14-under in the tournament, which was reduced to 54 holes as heavy rain washed out the tournament on Friday.
Australian Smith, the three-time champion of this event, shot a final-round 69 to finish two shots behind at 12 under, behind compatriots Marc Leishman (69) and Anthony Quayle (63). One shot behind.
Smiley, 22, was one of two players to receive the Cameron Smith Scholarship in 2019, and the two were tied for the lead heading into Sunday’s second round.
The world number 736 is the son of former four-time Grand Slam tennis doubles champion Liz Smylie and just last month took his first professional victory on the Australasian PGA Tour.
But after making four birdies and reaching the turn with a three-shot lead, he mustered up the courage to make a few pars and stay ahead of Smith, who birdied the 15th hole and won on the 15th. The 17th hole was holed again.
“This is a dream come true,” Smiley said. “I just said to Matt (Clayton, caddy), I’m not going to forget this day, you know, playing with Cam and Lish.
“I grew up looking up to these guys and just being in front of them and competing against them for a title, I learned a lot and (I’m) very grateful and honored now.
“My short game was great and I really saved myself there. My tee shot was pretty average, but golf is an imperfect game and that was a sign today.”
Smiley added: “My mum and dad have been with me the whole time. I saw my mum in the corner, crying before I made the final push – so everyone who has been on this journey with me , they all know how to do it. “I’ve worked hard to get here and hopefully this is just the beginning of good things to come. “
