Rory McIlroy, a five-time major champion and career grand slam winner, will headline the men’s Australian Open for the next two years. The tournament is set to return to The Royal Melbourne Golf Club on the Melbourne Sandbelt in 2025. McIlroy’s participation follows his historic win at the 2025 Masters Tournament, completing his career grand slam. He expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “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.”
The Victorian Government and Visit Victoria have partnered to host the men’s Australian Open on the Melbourne Sandbelt until at least 2026. Next year’s event will take place at Kingston Heath Golf Club. Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland noted that this commitment would elevate the status of the championship: “The Victorian Government truly understands the value that golf brings to the local economy.”
The tournament marks McIlroy’s first attempt since 2014 to claim a second Stonehaven Cup at Royal Melbourne from December 4-7. Captain of The Royal Melbourne Golf Club Tony Rule stated, “We are looking forward to hosting the 2025 men’s Australian Open Championship at our world-class venue.”
Gavin Kirkman, CEO of PGA of Australia, emphasized that McIlroy’s participation will make it one of the most anticipated events on the global golf calendar in 2025: “At a course where so many historic tournaments have been played, The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is the perfect stage.”
The state of Victoria will be highlighted during both events in 2025 and 2026. Victorian Minister for Tourism Steve Dimopoulos remarked on its economic impact: “These tournaments will be fantastic for our visitor economy.”
DP World Tour Chief Tournament & Operations Officer Ben Cowen added that they are excited about returning to Royal Melbourne: “Starting our Race to Dubai in recent years with back-to-back events in Australia has been popular with our members.”
Tickets for these events are now available online.
