Elvis Smylie to make major championship debut at British Open after making it through qualifying
Queenslander Elvis Smylie says he got “goosebumps” after locking in his major championship debut at the British Open at Royal Troon, taking the number of Australians in the field to six.
Smylie, the son of Australian tennis great Liz, was one of 12 Australians playing qualifying events across four venues but the only one to book his spot.
Playing at Royal Cinque Ports in the UK, needing to finish in the top four, the 22-year-old left-hander carded rounds of 67-74 to finish equal second in a major moment.
With his mum at Wimbledon commentating at the tennis, Smylie said his dad would also be on his way over to England to support him in two weeks.
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“Just saying that I’ve qualified for The Open gives me goosebumps,” he said.
“The last time I went to The Open was at Royal Troon in 2016 when I was 14 years old. Going there as a spectator eight years ago and now going back as a competitor – I don’t know what to say. I just can’t wait for the experience.
“I’ve already FaceTimed my dad who’s back in Australia and he said he’s going to book a flight over. My mum is already over here commentating on Wimbledon, so everyone’s going to come and watch me at Troon. I’m very excited.”
Smylie joins Cam Smith, Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott, Jasper Stubbs and Jason Day in the field for the year’s final major that begins on July 18.