Shark Hails Star’s PGA Return as Smith Secures Aussie LIV Victory

Morgan Winslow

ago 1 hour

Shark Hails Star’s PGA Return as Smith Secures Aussie LIV Victory

LIV Golf has announced the signing of rising Australian star Elvis Smylie, who will join Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC for the 2026 season. This signing comes as the PGA Tour welcomed back former LIV Golf player Brooks Koepka, while LIV simultaneously recruited Byeong Hun An and confirmed the re-signing of Dustin Johnson.

Elvis Smylie Joins Ripper GC

Elvis Smylie has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in golf. Over the past 18 months, the 23-year-old from Australia captured the 2024 Australian PGA Championship, notably defeating Cameron Smith in the process. Smylie expressed his excitement about joining Ripper GC, stating how significant it is to represent Australian golf during its current growth phase.

Smylie shared: “Growing up in Australia, you understand what golf means back home – the history, the mateship, and the pride.” He emphasized the importance of learning from established players as he aims to develop into the golfer he aspires to be.

Team Dynamics and Future Aspirations

Smylie will be joining an Australian team that includes Ripper GC captain Cameron Smith, as well as Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert. Smith commented on the importance of Smylie’s signing, describing it as a pivotal moment for both Ripper GC and Australian golf.

Elvis Smylie joins Ripper GC in 2026.
He won the 2024 Australian PGA Championship.
Teammates include Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, and Lucas Herbert.

Nick Adams, General Manager of Ripper GC, praised Smylie’s talent, highlighting his potential to perform on a global scale and contribute to the team’s success in upcoming seasons.

Other Notable Developments in LIV Golf

Dustin Johnson, the captain of 4Aces GC, has signed a multi-year extension with LIV Golf. Additionally, Byeong Hun An will represent the Korean Golf Club alongside Danny Lee, Younghan Song, and Minkyu Kim.

LIV Golf faces challenges as the PGA Tour has allowed players, including Koepka, to return, although others like Smith have chosen to remain with LIV. Smith has reiterated his commitment to LIV Golf despite the options available from the PGA Tour.

Looking Ahead

As LIV Golf continues to evolve, the addition of Smylie and the loyalty shown by experienced players like Smith and Johnson indicate a promising future for the organization. The upcoming LIV Golf Adelaide event, scheduled for February 12-15, presents a platform for the new and existing talents to showcase their skills.

This dynamic landscape in professional golf illustrates the ongoing rivalry between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. As both organizations develop their respective narratives, fans can expect an exciting season ahead.