Rory McIlroy is already looking forward to returning Down Under in 2026 for his second successive Australian Open appearance.
The Masters Champion was accompanied by huge crowds for all four rounds, and he though it wasn’t the result he was hoping for as he finished tied for 14th, he ended on a high note with back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th for the third day in a row.
And afterwards the seven-time Harry Vardon Trophy winner was full of praise for both Royal Melbourne Golf Club and the Australian crowds.
“It’s been absolutely amazing,” McIlroy said. “I’ve been excited to come back down here for a while.
“Obviously it’s been over 10 years since I played in the Australian Open and I guess just look the scenes out there this week, the crowds, the golf course, they were absolutely incredible.
“I said at the start of the week this is a golf tournament that’s got so much potential and I think it showed a little bit of that potential this week.
“It’s been an amazing week and I can’t thank everyone in Australia enough for the hospitality and the reception and can’t wait to come back next year.”
The World Number Two began his year in Dubai in January, and it’s been one of resounding success as he finally slipped into a Green Jacket at the Masters, won the Players Championship, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, produced a grandstand finish enroute to winning the Amgen Irish Open, and played a key role in Europe’s memorable away victory in the Ryder Cup.
So, he’s earned his rest over the Christmas period.
“I’m looking forward to a little break,” he admitted. “I’ve played a pretty heavy schedule post the summer with the Irish Open, Wentworth, Ryder Cup, and then I’ve sort of been globe-trotting a little bit here the last couple of months.
“I’m excited to have a little bit of down time and finally reflect on everything, maybe watch a few of the tournaments back.
“I’ve not really let myself do that too much. So yeah, looking forward to the Christmas break and put the feet up, a few glasses of wine and think back about what an unbelievable year.”
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