Australia's Smylie beaming with PGA Championship exemption
MELBOURNE: Rising talent Elvis Smylie has received a late exemption into the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow after topping the Australasian Tour Order of Merit for the 2024–25 season.
The 23-year-old Australian, son of former women's tennis professional Liz Smylie, follows in the footsteps of previous Order of Merit winners David Micheluzzi and Kazuma Kobori, who were each granted late exemptions into the major.
"I'm really excited for this opportunity," the left-hander said on social media.
"Thank you to the PGA of America for the invite, and to Chairman Ian Baker-Finch and his team at the PGA of Australia for all their help with this process.
"I can't wait – I'll see you all at Quail Hollow."
It will be Smylie's second major appearance, following a tough debut at last year's Open Championship at Royal Troon, where he missed the cut.
He bounced back with a strong season on home soil, upsetting compatriot and former Open winner Cameron Smith to claim his maiden Australian PGA Championship and secure playing rights on the DP World Tour.
Currently ranked 202nd in the world, Smylie will join a strong Australian contingent at Quail Hollow next week, including Smith and fellow major champions Adam Scott and Jason Day – the 2015 PGA Championship winner at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin.
Smylie has also booked a return to the Open Championship, to be held at Royal Portrush, after earning an exemption through his Order of Merit triumph.
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