Elvis Smylie wins on LIV Golf debut after holding off Jon Rahm in Riyadh

Elvis Smylie marked a dream start to his LIV Golf career by winning on debut under the lights at LIV Golf Riyadh, holding off a late charge from superstar Jon Rahm to claim the biggest victory of his career.

The 23-year-old Australian produced a flawless final-round 64, rolling in eight birdies without a bogey to finish the week at 24-under par. 

That was enough to edge Rahm by a single shot, despite the Spaniard closing with a superb 63 to apply heavy pressure late on Sunday.

Smylie found himself locked in battle with a fast-finishing Rahm but five birdies in the space of seven holes when it mattered most on the back nine were enough to see the left-hander seal the deal in his first LIV Golf start. 

"It's a dream come true," said Smylie, who becomes the first player to win on LIV debut since Henrik Stenson in 2022.

"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."

Smylie, a new signing for the 2026 LIV Golf season, was competing for Cam Smith’s all-Australian Ripper GC, who also enjoyed a dominant week in Saudi Arabia.

Ripper GC claimed the team title at 69-under par, finishing three shots clear of Joaquín Niemann’s Torque GC, with Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces a further ten shots back in third.

The victory earned Smylie a $4m first prize, comfortably the largest payday of his young career.

American Peter Uihlein finished solo third on 21-under par after another strong showing.

Born in Queensland and famously named after Elvis Presley, Smylie had already shown his potential before joining LIV Golf, having secured his maiden DP World Tour title at the BMW Australian PGA Championship in November 2024. 

This victory, however, represents a significant step forward as he announces himself on the global stage.

And yes, he was named after legendary musician Elvis Presley... in case you were wondering!

LIV Golf has signed a number of rising stars in the game in recent seasons, but Smylie might just prove to be best of the bunch.