The 2025 BMW Australian PGA Championship teed off in dramatic fashion at a rain-soaked Royal Queensland Golf Club, officially launching the Race to Dubai. Day one saw local hero Elvis Smylie deliver a masterful performance, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
Smylie Steals the Spotlight
Gold Coast native Elvis Smylie made an unforgettable start, firing a remarkable six-under-par 65 to claim the lead. The 22-year-old, fresh off his first Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia title in October, showcased his skill and poise despite challenging weather conditions.
Smylie’s round featured eight birdies, two bogeys, and an unforgettable bunker hole-out at the ninth. His familiarity with the course and unwavering focus clearly paid off.
“It’s a home game for me this week. I’ve played a lot of golf here and feel really comfortable. The greens are amazing despite the rain—kudos to the greenkeepers,” Smylie said.
Coming from a family of athletes—his parents Liz and Peter Smylie were professional tennis players—Elvis appears well-equipped to handle the pressure.
The Chase is On
Sitting just one stroke behind Smylie are France’s Victor Perez, Switzerland’s Joel Girrbach, Chile’s Cristobal Del Solar, and fellow Australian Matias Sanchez at five under.
Perez, a Rolex Series champion, had a strong showing but a bogey on the 15th kept him from catching Smylie. Despite the setback, Perez remains optimistic.
“Getting off to a good start is key. The course demands strategy, and the rain has softened the greens, making it interesting for the days ahead,” Perez noted.
A Stacked Field Close Behind
Several big names are in striking distance. Major champions Jason Day and Cam Smith are among five Australians tied at four under, alongside Marc Leishman, Ben Eccles, and David Micheluzzi.
Adding to the mix, international talents like England’s Jordan Smith, Spain’s Ivan Cantero, and South Africa’s Aldrich Potgieter also sit at four under.
Defending champion Min Woo Lee and European Challenge Tour standout Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen are part of a crowded group at three under, ensuring no shortage of competition as the rounds progress.
What’s Next?
With rain continuing to influence the conditions, the BMW Australian PGA Championship is shaping up to be a battle of skill, resilience, and strategy. Smylie may have set the pace, but with a stacked leaderboard, the road to victory is far from certain.
Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in this season opener that’s already delivering excitement and showcasing world-class talent.