12 Apr 2019 | National Championships | Amateur golf |
Smylie succeeds at #AusJnr
by Contributor
By Kirsty Wrice
It’s confirmed – success runs in the Smylie family.
Liz Smylie has a decorated career as tennis star, with four grand slam titles to her name.
But in the words of Liz, “nothing I have achieved comes anywhere as close as this. Watching your child succeed, is even better.”
Now her youngest child, Elvis Smylie, also has bragging rights.
16-year-old Smylie pulled off an incredible home victory at Southport Golf Club to win the 2019 Australian Boys’ Amateur today.
In a breakthrough victory for the local left-hander, brilliant final day scores of 63-69 were enough to claim the title at 13 under ahead of Kazuma Kobori (-8), Tyler Duncan (-7), and Jordan Rooke (-5).
Starting the day one back from overnight co-leaders Harrison Crowe and Kobori, Smylie fired early producing his first ever bogey free eight-under-par round, which he described as simply “amazing”.
As the day progressed, he held off a series of big contenders including fellow state team member Tyler Duncan.
Duncan, of Redcliffe Golf Club, rattled three birdies in his opening nine of the afternoon, but bogies on 11 and 17 saw his title chances fade.
When the final putt dropped on his 72nd hole, Smylie had gained 10 shots for a five shot victory and his first Australian Order of Merit event.
“I was able to hold my nerve and holed a good couple of putts coming down the stretch,” the 2018 Queensland Amateur runner-up said.
“I knew Kazuma and Harry would give me a good fight because they’re great players.
“I love the support from everyone at Southport and I’m really lucky to be surrounded by people like that.”
The win also secures a spot in the men’s Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club in November and the IMG Academy Junior World Championships in July in California.
“When you think of all the things this win gets you, it’s amazing,” he said with a smile.
And then he remembered the Presidents Cup field that will feature in the #AusOpen lineup in Sydney.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, but I think it will in the next couple of days.”
His win also means both national titles stayed in Queensland, with Hye Park winning the girls’ championship at Coolangatta Tweed Heads.
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