Elvis Smylie wins LIV Golf Riyadh under lights in his tour debut

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Elvis Smylie of Ripper GC reacts after his final putt on the 18th green during the final round of the LIV Golf tournament at Riyadh Golf Club, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Pedro Salado/LIV Golf via AP)

Elvis Smylie of Ripper GC hits his shot from the 18th tee during the final round of the LIV Golf tournament at Riyadh Golf Club, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Pedro Salado/LIV Golf via AP) — Elvis Smylie of Ripper GC reacts after his final putt on the 18th green during the final round of the LIV Golf tournament at Riyadh Golf Club, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Pedro Salado/LIV Golf via AP)

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8:03 PM on Saturday, February 7

The Associated Press

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Elvis Smylie won LIV Golf Riyadh on Saturday night in his tour debut, closing with a bogey-free 8-under 64 under the lights to hold off Jon Rahm by a stroke.

The 23-year-old Australian also led Ripper GC to the team title.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Smylie, who officially joined the team last month. “I really didn’t know what to expect this week. Playing at night is obviously a whole different ballgame out here. I wanted to come out here and make a statement. I wanted to prove that I’m one of the best out here, and I feel like I’ve done that. It’s only up from here.”

Smylie finished at 24 under.

Rahm closed with a bogey-free 63.

Peter Uihlein was third at 21 under after a 67.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf