Rory McIlroy says the country is “starved” for top-level golf and is delighted to be back at the Crown Australian Open.
McIlroy leads the 108th Royal Melbourne tournament, with Golf Australia opting to scrap the men’s and women’s tournaments introduced three years ago and return to the traditional format.
The DP World Tour currently co-sanctions the Australian Open, with McIlroy aiming for his first win Down Under in 12 years and his second Stonehaven Cup.
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Matt Fitzpatrick defeated Rory McIlroy on the playoff hole to win the DP World Tour Championship title.
McIlroy won the Australian Open in 2013, defeating Adam Scott in a play-off at the Royal Sydney GC, and has been open about his desire to return to Australia and bring more consistent “top level” golf.
“It’s no secret that I wanted to come back too,” McIlroy said. “I think it probably helps, too, the great golf courses we’ll be playing over the next few years and the change in format, going back to the traditional Australian Open. I’m really excited to be back.”
“I feel like there’s a lack of top-level golf in this country. Obviously, we’ve had the Presidents Cup here and we’ve had a lot of good players still play, but maybe it hasn’t been on a consistent basis.”
“And I think a market like this with great fans and history probably deserves more consistency with big players and big tournaments.”
Australian major winner Cam Smith and Scott are among the hopefuls looking to secure the first Australian Stonehaven Cup win since Matt Jones won it in 2019.
Scott previously won the title in 2009, but believes the chance to win it again in 2025 is “meaningful” as it will be held at Royal Melbourne.
“I think winning the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne has an asterisk next to it, it just means so much,” Scott said.
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