Elvis Smylie, a 23-year-old Australian golfer, made a remarkable debut at the LIV Golf tour by winning its season-opening event held under lights in Saudi Arabia. With an impressive bogey-free final round of 8-under 64, Smylie clinched the title, narrowly beating renowned golfer Jon Rahm by just one shot. His performance was marked by composure and skill, particularly as he handled the pressure Rahm applied with four consecutive birdies to finish his round.

The match concluded dramatically, with Smylie needing to par the final hole to secure his victory. After a challenging approach shot that left him on the fringe of the green, Smylie calmly executed a long putt that required two strokes to finish, finally sealing his success with a slightly misfired putt followed by a straightforward three-footer for the win. This moment not only represents a crucial step in Smylie's career but also serves as a significant achievement in the debut season of the LIV Golf series.

Smylie expressed his overwhelming joy and surprise at winning his first tournament, especially in such a unique nighttime setting that the LIV Golf format provides. His victory not only boosts his confidence as a newcomer to the professional scene but also places him firmly on the radar as a rising star in Australian golf, having successfully triumphed against world-class competition in an innovative and challenging golfing environment.