Young left-hander Elvis Smylie secured his maiden DP World Tour title at the BMW Australian PGA Championship, defeating former Open Champion Cameron Smith by two strokes. The World No.736 carded a bogey-free final-round 67 to finish at 14-under in the season-opening event.

The victory was particularly meaningful as Smith had previously mentored Smylie through the Cameron Smith Scholarship program in 2019. The 22-year-old's win, which came in wire-to-wire fashion despite the tournament being reduced to 54 holes due to weather, earned him a full two-year exemption on the DP World Tour.

The final round featured a compelling head-to-head battle between Smylie and Smith. Both players birdied the opening hole, but Smith's struggles with the putter, including two costly three-putts, allowed Smylie to build a lead. The young Australian maintained his advantage through clutch putting, even after Smith chipped in at the 17th to add pressure.

Despite finding trouble off the tee on the final hole, Smylie demonstrated remarkable composure, successfully escaping from a greenside bunker to secure the historic victory. The all-Australian top-five included Marc Leishman, Anthony Quayle, and David Micheluzzi.

"It's a dream come true," said Smylie after his round. "I looked up to these guys since I was a kid and just being in their presence and to compete against them for the title, I've learnt so much and I'm just so grateful and honored right now."

The son of four-time grand slam doubles champion Liz Smylie, Elvis had only secured his first professional victory last month at the Bowra & O'Dea Nexus Advisernet WA Open on the PGA Tour of Australasia before claiming this breakthrough win.

The DP World Tour season continues with the ISPS Handa Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club, Melbourne.

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