Queensland native Elvis Smylie is relishing being back where it all began as he plots the defence of his BMW Australian PGA Championship title in Brisbane.
The home hero has become such a familiar name on DP World Tour leaderboards in the past 12 months, it is easy to forget he had made just 15 previous appearances when he turned up at Royal Queensland Golf Club in 2024.
His two‑shot victory over childhood idol Cameron Smith secured full DP World Tour membership, a 23rd‑place finish in the Race to Dubai, and the distinction of being the only Australian to reach the season‑ending DP World Tour Championship.
He is now flying the flag once more and is delighted to have some home comforts as he aims to continue his rapid rise.
“It’s really special to be back here at Royal Queensland, a lot of familiar faces and also a lot of great memories from last year,” he said.
“It was very special to be able to do it here in Brisbane where it’s my home and it’s nice being back.
"The past few years before last year where I’ve played off sponsor exemptions on the DP World Tour, I think it gave me a bit of an insight into what is required to compete with the best guys on the DP World Tour as well as the best guys here in Australia.
“I’ve made a lot friendships on Tour with a lot of the other Aussies, Kiwis, English guys, South African guys. It's quite a tight-knit community out there so I’m looking forward to hanging out with those guys again.”
A top 25 on the Race to Dubai also guaranteed Smylie an exemption into the 2026 Open Championship and he is relishing the season ahead.
“To be able to get off to a fast start on the season, I think it gives you a bit of confidence to know that you’re off to a fast start but also a bit of comfort knowing that you can play your way into the season a bit knowing you’ve had a solid start to the year,” he said.
"The finish that I had on the Race to Dubai last year has given me an invite into The Open which I’m really excited about, that will be my fourth Major and my third Open so I’m really excited to hopefully have really good performance at Birkdake and do as well as I can on Tour.”
