Rory McIlroy, a five-time major champion and current Masters titleholder, will make his long-awaited return to the Australian Open after an 11-year absence. Golf Australia announced that the Northern Irish golfer will participate in the prestigious event, known as the unofficial fifth major, in both 2025 and 2026.
The upcoming Australian Open will take place at the iconic Royal Melbourne Golf Club during the first week of December, followed by Kingston Heath Golf Club in 2024, marking three consecutive years of the tournament being hosted in Victoria. McIlroy, who last competed in the Australian Open in 2014 and won it in 2013, expressed enthusiasm about returning to Australia.
In a statement, McIlroy stated, “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.” He highlighted the significance of the Australian Open for the global golfing community and remains optimistic about its future, particularly given Melbourne’s reputation as a leading sporting city and the quality of the courses.
While there’s no confirmation regarding his participation in the Australian PGA Championship, another significant event that occurs prior to the Open, McIlroy has voiced his support for elevating the Australian Open to major status. Last year, he noted its potential during the Dubai Desert Classic, saying, “The Australian Open should almost be the fifth major. The market down there is huge with potential… They love golf. They love sport.”
With McIlroy’s participation, the Australian Open is set to attract considerable attention, especially in light of his recent achievement of completing a career grand slam by winning the Masters for the first time. Leading Australian golfers such as Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott, and Cameron Smith are also expected to join the 2023 competition, enhancing the star power at the event.
This announcement marks a significant moment for the Australian Open, which has seen a decline in the international appeal of its major tournaments in recent years. McIlroy’s involvement promises to revive interest and excitement around the event, reinforcing its prestige within the global golf calendar.