One victory in the LIV Golf series has transformed Elvis Smylie's financial situation, and now he is setting ambitious goals for his future in the sport. Emerging as a promising golfer from Australia, Smylie aims to break into the top 50 players in the world by the end of March. Achieving this milestone would secure him a spot in this year’s prestigious US Masters after his impressive win at his first LIV Tournament held in Riyadh.
This remarkable debut at the LIV event not only showcased Smylie’s skill but also propelled him up the world rankings—from 133rd all the way to 77th. The timing couldn't have been better for the 23-year-old, coinciding with the Official World Golf Rankings' decision to recognize tournaments from the rebel tour, which adds an exciting layer to his achievement.
"The Masters is definitely on my radar now. I can start discussing it, and that just fuels my motivation even more," Smylie expressed during a conversation on Tuesday.
In addition to the ranking boost, Smylie’s performance in Riyadh earned him a staggering amount—over double what he made throughout the entire 2025 season. He walked away with the winner's check of $4 million, complemented by a share of the $3 million prize pool awarded to his team, Ripper GC, for clinching the team competition. This victory was sealed with a crucial three-foot putt that allowed him to fend off a strong challenge from Jon Rahm.
To put this financial windfall into perspective, the amount Smylie received in Riyadh dwarfs the $1.75 million he collected over 25 tournaments in Europe and the US PGA last year, as well as the $340,000 he took home for winning the 2024 Australian PGA Championship. Garnering an estimated $5 million at such a young age is a significant achievement—particularly when you consider the legendary Greg Norman, a former Australian golf star, accumulated $14,484,458 over his entire career. In comparison, current Australian golfer Min Woo Lee earned $1.71 million from his first PGA Tour victory in Texas last season, bringing his career earnings to $9,185,496 after securing his PGA Tour card in 2024 via the DP World Tour.
However, Smylie is primarily fixated on his world ranking as he prepares for LIV’s upcoming tournament at The Grange in Adelaide this Thursday. "I have specific ranking goals that I’m aiming for. I’m consistently moving in the right direction and working towards qualifying for major tournaments—which is something I’m deeply passionate about," he shared.
Under a new and somewhat contentious ruling, LIV golfers who finish in the top ten of a tournament can now earn valuable ranking points. Players who find themselves in the top 50 by March 30 will gain entry to the US Masters at Augusta, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition.
"Being in the top 50 in the world allows participation in all four major tournaments, which I am very close to achieving. It’s fantastic that we’re receiving recognition for our efforts. Ultimately, if you play good golf, everything else will take care of itself,” Smylie stated.
Interestingly, his current ranking places him ahead of Cam Smith, the captain of Ripper GC. Smith, who previously ranked No. 2 in the world, is currently sitting at 227 after being unable to accrue points while competing in LIV Golf until now.
As we watch Smylie’s journey unfold, one can't help but wonder: Will he achieve his goal of entering the Masters, or will the challenges of the sport hinder his progress? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
