Aussie rising star joins LIV Golf as two-time major champion commits to rebel league

LIV Golf has confirmed the signing of Australian rising star Elvis Smylie, who will join Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC squad for the 2026 season.

It comes after a breakout 18 months for the 23-year-old, who won the 2024 Australian PGA Championship, beating out runner-up Smith.

FOX SPORTS, available on Kayo Sports, is streaming The 2026 PGA Tour LIVE & Exclusive | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >

“Growing up in Australia, you understand what golf means back home – the history, the mateship, and the pride that comes with representing your country,” Smylie said.

“To join Ripper GC, led by my long-term mentor, Cam Smith, at a time when Australian golf is growing the way it is means a lot to me.

“I’m proud to be part of something that embodies where the game has been, and where it’s going next.”

Smylie joins an Australian team that includes captain Smith, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert.

“Signing Elvis is a huge moment, not just for Ripper GC, but for Australian golf,” Smith said in a statement.

“He represents the next wave of Australian talent coming through at a time when the sport is absolutely booming back home. Elvis has already shown he can win under pressure, compete against world-class fields, and perform on big stages.”

Smylie will be in action at LIV Golf Adelaide, hosted by The Grange Golf Club from February 12-15 this year.

“Cam’s vision has always been to provide a pathway for young Australian golfers to excel on the global stage. Elvis represents the best of all of the young crop of players currently in Australia, and we believe that his playing ability gives us the best chance of success in 2026 as a team,” Ripper GC General Manager Nick Adams said.

“We are incredibly excited to have him as part of the group, and we look forward to helping him in his golf journey to become an elite player.”

Elsewhere, two-time major champion Dustin Johnson, the 4Aces GC captain, has penned a multi-year extension with LIV Golf, committing his future to the Saudi-backed circuit.

It comes as multiple LIV Golf stars were offered an ultimatum by the PGA Tour after former world No. 1 Brooks Koepka officially rejoined the Tour.

Smith, two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and former world No. 1 Jon Rahm have been given until February 2 to apply for reinstatement to the PGA Tour after the ‘Returning Member Program’ was introduced to facilitate Koepka’s comeback.

The ‘Returning Member Program’ is only an option for players who have won a major championship or the Players Championship since the men’s game was split in two in 2022, meaning Smith was eligible courtesy of his triumphs at TPC Sawgrass and St Andrews that year.

However, the Australian rejected the olive branch, telling reporters in Florida this week that he will not be following Koepka back to the PGA Tour.

“I’m going to stay, mate,” Smith said.

“I’ve made a decision to come here and I’m standing by it.”

DeChambeau and Rahm have also recommitted to the rebel league.