In a significant development for the LIV Golf circuit and Australian golf, Ripper GC has officially announced the addition of rising star Elvis Smylie to its all-Australian lineup for the upcoming 2026 season. This strategic acquisition sees Smylie stepping into the shoes of Matt Jones, joining an already formidable team featuring captain Cam Smith, Marc Leishman, and Lucas Herbert. The move underscores the team's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and reinforcing its national identity on the global stage. Smylie's inclusion is anticipated to bring a fresh dynamic and competitive edge to Ripper GC, building on their strong performance in the previous season where they secured a ninth-place finish overall and a victory in Miami.
Ripper GC Bolsters Roster with Promising Young Talent for 2026 LIV Golf Season
On a crisp Wednesday, the Australian golf team, Ripper GC, made waves in the LIV Golf community by confirming the addition of 23-year-old sensation Elvis Smylie to their roster for the 2026 season. Smylie, who currently holds the 125th position in the Official World Golf Ranking, will complete the formidable quartet alongside team captain Cam Smith, Marc Leishman, and Lucas Herbert. This move marks a changing of the guard, as Smylie steps in to replace Matt Jones. Ripper GC demonstrated considerable prowess in the 2025 season, clinching a victory in Miami and achieving three additional top-three finishes across 14 regular-season events, ultimately securing the ninth spot in the team standings. Individually, Leishman, Herbert, and Smith finished 13th, 15th, and 18th, respectively, in the player standings. Smylie's personal achievements include winning the 2024 BMW Australian PGA Championship, where he outmaneuvered golf titan Cam Smith by two strokes. His professional journey on the PGA Tour has seen him make two cuts from four appearances, accumulating $76,605 in earnings. The team is set to have a home advantage of sorts when LIV Golf Adelaide takes place from February 12-15 at The Grange Golf Club in Australia. Smylie, the son of former professional tennis player Liz Smylie, who boasts four Grand Slam titles and an Olympic bronze medal, expressed profound pride in joining Ripper GC, citing his long-standing mentorship under Cam Smith and the burgeoning landscape of Australian golf. Smith echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Smylie's potential as the next generation of Australian golf talent and his proven ability to perform under pressure against elite competition.
The integration of Elvis Smylie into Ripper GC not only invigorates the team's prospects for the upcoming LIV Golf season but also symbolizes a broader trend in Australian golf: the emergence of a new generation of highly skilled players ready to challenge the global elite. Smylie's journey, marked by his victory over a seasoned champion like Cam Smith, highlights the increasing depth of talent Down Under. This move suggests a strategic vision for Ripper GC to blend experience with youthful exuberance, potentially setting a new benchmark for team dynamics in professional golf. Moreover, his signing could inspire countless aspiring Australian golfers, reinforcing the idea that dedication and talent can indeed lead to competing at the highest levels of the sport. The anticipation for the 2026 season, particularly with the Adelaide home event, will undoubtedly be heightened by this exciting new chapter for Ripper GC.