Rory McIlroy to play 2025 and 2026 Australian Open at Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath
Recently crowned US Masters champion Rory McIlroy is locked in to play in the Australian Open for the next two years.
Just a month after achieving the career grand slam at Augusta National, McIlroy has confirmed he will be at Royal Melbourne Golf Club later this year when the tournament kicks off on December 4.
Kingston Heath will play host to Australia's oldest and most prestigious golf tournament in 2026, which will be the third time in five years it has been staged there.
World No.2 McIlroy last played at the Australian Open in 2014, a year after dramatically edging out hometown hope Adam Scott for the title in 2013.
'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 of his announcement.
'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.
'Melbourne is known for being one of the world's great sporting cities and I can't wait to be part of that atmosphere and soak in everything it has to offer, both on and off the course.'
After three years as a joint men's and women's event, which received mixed reviews, the Australian Open men's tournament will switch back to a standalone format.
'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,' Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said.
Sutherland thanked the Victorian government for its support.
'The Victorian government truly understands the value that golf brings to the local economy,' he said.
'We appreciate their ongoing support and we look forward to partnering with them again as we host this year's men's Australian Open.
'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.
'We are committed to elevating the status of our national championship, and this announcement is a significant step in that direction.'
The Australian Open will take place a week after the Australian PGA Championship.
McIlroy, 35, is a five-time major champion and one of only six men to complete the career grand slam.
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