PGA Championship rockstar outsider tipped to | Golf News

While {the golfing} world has its eyes fixed on Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau forward of the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, whispers are growing about a low-profile “rockstar” prepared to steal the highlight.

The PGA Championship, which kicks off in North Carolina this Thursday, is just not only about the notable names like Masters champion McIlroy, top-ranked Scheffler, and LIV Golf sensation DeChambeau — all angling for the prized Wanamaker Trophy. With one of essentially the most assorted fields of the 4 majors, it showcases a league of 156 from all over the world and contains gamers from assorted tours and 20 membership professionals.

One to watch is Aussie rising star Elvis Smylie, going into the match as a +40,000 wildcard according to oddsmakers. The fresh-faced 23-year-old topped the order of advantage on the PGA Tour of Australasia in 2024 and even outplayed Open champion Cam Smith to clinch the Australian PGA Championship final December.

Borne to tennis legends, his dad and mom Peter and Liz Smylie, with his mom holding 4 Grand Slam doubles titles under her belt, it is clear that the aptitude for sports activities runs deeply in his veins.

On the heels of a particular invitation by the PGA of America just final week, CBS on-course reporter Dottie Pepper suspects that younger Smylie may just have his second in the solar and emerge as a sensational contender during this prestigious occasion.

“I was very excited to see the PGA Championship make the decision about Elvis Smylie getting an exemption,” Pepper stated. “I think he’s a rockstar of a young kind with a tremendous athletic family background.

“This goes to be one thing that he may probably construct a profession on. He hasn’t performed a complete lot – some Europe, some Australia. But I feel this is one thing that may very well be formative for his profession and I’m just so joyful to see that exemption.”

Smylie is preparing for his second major appearance after missing the cut at The Open Championship at Royal Troon 10 months ago. Despite being ranked No. 206 in the world, he is highly regarded in the sport and his ranking is expected to improve after embarking on a full-time DP World Tour schedule this season.

In a post to Instagram, Smylie expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity, thanking the PGA of America and the chairman Ian Baker-Finch and his team at the PGA of Australia.

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Pepper also highlighted Daniel Berger, a 2021 Ryder Cupper, as another under-the-radar name who she believes will perform strongly at Quail Hollow.

Despite being plagued by injuries in recent years, the four-time PGA Tour champion is back in top form. The 32-year-old has not finished worse than tied for 30th place in his last nine appearances, including two top-five finishes.

“Keep an eye on a man like Daniel Berger. Coming back from a fairly important damage. Coming into confidence again and beginning to put some good numbers on the board. Hasn’t put 4 collectively yet, but I feel Daniel is rounding into form at a very nice time of the yr for him,” Pepper suggested.