Elvis Smylie makes major championship debut at the British Open

Queenslander Elvis Smylie says he got “goosebumps” after making 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 legend Liz, was one of 12 Australians who took part in qualifying tournaments at four locations, but he was the only one to secure a place.

The 22-year-old left-handed pitcher played for Royal Cinque Ports in the United Kingdom and had to finish in the top four. He played rounds of 67-74 and finished in a tie for second place in a key moment.

While his mother was at Wimbledon reporting on the tennis match, Smylie told him that his father would also be coming to England in two weeks to cheer him on.

“Just saying I’ve qualified for The Open gives me goosebumps,” he said.

“The last time I went to The Open was in 2016 at Royal Troon when I was 14. Eight years ago I went as a spectator and now I’m going again 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. My mum’s already here to commentate on Wimbledon so everyone’s coming to watch me in Troon. I’m really excited.”

Smylie joins Cam Smith, Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott, Jasper Stubbs and Jason Day in the field for the final major tournament of the year, which begins on July 18.