The 31-year-old just keeps encountering success, it seems. Yes, we’re talking about Cameron Smith, the LIV Golf Pro who appears to be on Lady Luck’s good side, even during the Saudi-backed league’s off-season. The reason? It’s all thanks to a certain Australian golfer who managed to clinch his first-ever win as a professional. But how does that connect with the 1-time major champ? Well, it appears that Elvis Smylie, the athlete in question, has been mentored by none other than Smith.

It was the first playoff hole at the 2024 West Australian Open, and the 22-year-old pro managed to card a birdie at the par-4, 18th hole to clinch his first professional victory at the PGA Tour of Australasia event. What’s more, he emerged victorious at the event despite it being plagued by almost brutal conditions, making the shot on an extremely windy day. Truly a “talented young lad,” as dubbed by Flushing It.

How did he emerge triumphant? Interestingly enough, Elvis had tied for 1st alongside Jak Carter and Curtis Luck, all three of whom finished 19-under par 265 after four rounds. He did so by carding a total of 18 birdies, not to mention the four eagles and seven bogeys he scored over the four days of play at the Mandurah Country Club.

That’s not all. The young Australian pro also missed out on a victory on October 13 at the CKB WA PGA Championship when he failed to finish tied for 1st, being a stroke behind. Cameron Smith’s mentee had, back then, placed T3, courtesy of his 16-under 272, all the while losing out to Jack Buchanan, who clinched the title of champ through a playoff hole.

That sure was a close miss! Cameron Smith sure would be proud, especially since it could mean his All-Australian LIV Golf team, Ripper GC, might secure a potential future entry. That, however, is a question that can only be answered much later, especially if they continue with the success the squad witnessed during the 2024 season.

Cameron Smith-led Ripper GC and their 2024 run

Smith led his fellow Australians Lucas Herbert, Matt Jones, and Marc Leishman to victory during the Team Championship in Dallas, dishing out a score of 11-under overall 277 during the final round. Moreover, the Aussie was also able to lead his squad to a total of five podium finishes, including two victories at the Adelaide and Singapore events in the 2024 LIV Golf League.

The team’s last win before Adelaide had come when they teed off at the same event back in 2023. Meaning, the Cameron Smith-led Ripper GC managed to successfully defend their title on their home ground in Australia. Impressive, isn’t it? None would deny it, especially since their victory in Adelaide drew one of the best audiences for the LIV Golf League this year.