ABU DHABI HSBC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

November 7, 2025

Elvis Smylie

Yas Links

Quick Quotes

Q. Elvis, 68 today. Describe that.

ELVIS SMYLIE: Front nine played well. Cruised through with no bogeys. Birdied 10 to go 5-under through ten.

And then on 11 hit a wedge shot probably to about 20-foot. Pin was front left. It was in a bit of a dicey position, and let's just say I didn't keep it on the green with the next putt. Ended up running down the slope and having to get up-and-down for bogey. It was a good bogey but no, I didn't have that planned.

Coming in, the few final holes were straight back into the breeze. I felt like I did a really good job of flighting a couple mid-irons. Signed for 4-under. In a good position heading into the next two days.

Q. You did smile after -- what was your reaction --

ELVIS SMYLIE: I was quite embarrassed, that's probably the word to say. But the greens are getting so firm and so fast out here. So you can't get too complacent with like trying to be too aggressive. You kind of have to pick your spots on the greens and then try and hit a good putt and hopefully stay on the green.

Q. You mentioned "PGA TOUR card" earlier on. How much are you using that as an incentive this week and next week?

ELVIS SMYLIE: It's definitely on the forefront of my mind. It's more of a blessing how I think of it. I don't think of it was pressure. I think of it as I've played some really good golf this whole year to get myself in position to earn one of those cards. I'm looking forward to keeping the good golf up.

This tour has been great for me. This is my first year on tour and it's the first time I've felt like I can pick and choose my schedule, and the more I play out here, the more and more comfortable I feel.