LIV Golf pro issues statement after withdrawing from The Open

LIV Golf pro Elvis Smylie has confirmed he has withdrawn from The Open.  

The 24-year-old was set to make his third appearance in golf's oldest major next week at Royal Birkdale. 

But the Australian, unfortunately, has been ruled out of the 154th edition of the championship due to a rib injury. 

The issue has persisted for some time, Smylie said in a statement posted on Instagram, and he has decided to take an extended break from the game to undergo rehabilitation. 

He has also withdrawn from the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club. 

"It is with great disappointment that I have to confirm that, due to a rib injury that has been causing me some discomfort, my medical team has has advised me to take an extended break from golf to undergo rehabilitation to return to full fitness," Smylie wrote. 

"Unfortunately, this means I have had to withdraw from all upcoming events, including The Open Championship."

He added: "It's an incredibly difficult decision, but it's the right one to ensure I don't aggravate the injury any further and can come back fully fit. 

"I'd like to thank the Ripper team, LIV Golf and the DP World Tour their understanding and support throughout this process.

"I'll be doing everything I can to get back as soon as possible and I look forward to seeing everyone again soon."

Smylie, ranked 123rd in the Official World Golf Ranking, was set to make his third Open appearance. 

He made his debut at The Open in 2024 at Royal Troon after booking his spot in the field after surviving a 36-hole qualifier at Royal Cinque Ports. 

Smylie qualified for the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush thanks to winning the order of merit on the PGA Tour of Australasia. 

His qualified for Royal Birkdale by finishing 23rd on the DP World Tour's Race to Dubai Rankings. 

In February, Smylie was among eight LIV Golf players to agree to terms with the DP World Tour to continue playing events on the renegade tour without incurring penalties. 

He has made six appearance on the DP World Tour this season, posting his best finish at the Australian Open. 

Smylie began the year with a bang, defeating Jon Rahm to the individual title at LIV's stop in Saudia Arabia on his first start. 

Since then, his results haven't been spectacular, as Smylie has only posted one top 10 finish. 

He didn't qualify for the 2026 Masters or the U.S. Open but teed up at the PGA Championship, finishing 75th at Aronimink Golf Club in Pennsylvania.  

The 2026 Open gets underway next Thursday. 

Fifteen players were added to the 156-man field on Tuesday thanks to their standings in the OWGR. 

Details of a last-chance qualifier were also released by the R&A, with former PGA Tour member Wesley Bryan highlighting the 12-man field at the inaugural 18-hole shootout. 

Despite Smylie's absence, LIV will have several members taking part in the final major of the year. 

Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquin Niemann, Tyrrell Hatton, Josele Ballester, Laurie Canter, Lucas Herbert, Tom McKibbin, Louis Oosthuizen, Cameron Smith and Caleb Surratt are teeing it up. 

Phil Mickelson was in the field but withdrew.