Rory McIlroy headed Down Under for 2025, 2026 Australian Open
Five-time major champion and career grand slam winner Rory McIlroy will headline the men’s Australian Open, with the tournament to be played in Melbourne for the next two years.
Royal Melbourne on the Melbourne sandbelt will host the tournament from December 4-7 while nearby Kingston Heath be the home of the Open in 2026.
McIlroy’s return to Australia comes off the back of his historic win at the 2025 Masters Tournament to complete the career grand slam, with the world No.2 committing to the next two years Down Under.
The last time the 35-year-old appeared at the Australian Open was in 2014 when McIlroy defended the Stonehaven Cup the year after he went head-to-head with Adam Scott in 2013 to eventually be crowned champion.
“I’m proud to be committing to the Australian Open for the next two years, especially with it being played on the world-class Melbourne Sandbelt, somewhere I’ve always wanted to play professionally” McIlroy said in a statement.
“The success of the Australian Open is important for the global game, and I’m incredibly confident it will thrive again this year, especially with it being staged in one of the world’s great sporting cities and on two of the finest golf courses in the world over the next two years: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club.”
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said the appearance of the Northern Irishman would help elevate the status of the tournament.
“Rory McIlroy, one of the best to ever play our game, playing on the world-renowned Melbourne sandbelt, is a mouth-watering proposition for golf fans,” said Sutherland.
“We are committed to elevating the status of our national championship, and this announcement is a significant step in that direction.”
The Australian Open is moving away from its previous combined event, with the dates and venue of the women’s Australian Open and Australian All Abilities Championship to be confirmed at a later date.
“We are confident that the revised format, with individual men’s, women’s and all-abilities events will give each event their own platform to showcase the incredible talent in golf,” said Sutherland.
Source: espn.com