Elvis Smylie is headed to Quail Hollow.
After a standout season back home that included two breakthrough wins and the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit crown, the 23-year-old Queenslander has been rewarded with a start in next week’s US PGA Championship.
Smylie confirmed the news on Tuesday, announcing via social media that he’ll tee it up at the year’s second major alongside the likes of world No.1 Scottie Scheffler and Masters champion Rory McIlroy.
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“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” Smylie posted. “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 the help with this process. I can’t wait, and I’ll see you all at Quail Hollow.”
The left-hander, whose composure and consistency caught attention across the Australian summer, earned his place on merit. After a strong showing in The Open at Troon last year, Smylie returned home and stormed to his maiden professional victory at the WA Open in October.
A month later, he upstaged his mentor and 2022 Open winner Cam Smith to win a rain-affected Australian PGA title. He’s since taken that form abroad, notching top-20 finishes in back-to-back tournaments in China, including an 8-under performance in the Hainan Classic.
The PGA of Australia’s Nick Dastey said Smylie’s inclusion highlights the growing strength of the local circuit.
“We’re delighted Elvis has received another opportunity to play against the world’s best players,” he told Golf Australia. “Our thanks go to the PGA of America for again recognising our Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with a place in the PGA Championship field.”
Smylie will be joined in Charlotte by compatriots Jason Day, Adam Scott, Cam Davis, Min Woo Lee and Karl Vilips.