Rory McIlroy has urged tournament organisers to make a major change to one of the DP World Tour's most prestigious events.

Rory McIlroy turned embarrassment into brilliance with a late birdie blitz after an air swing nearly cost him the cut at the Australian Open. Rory McIlroy’s air swing on the 14th hole nearly cost him a place in the Australian Open weekend field. Attempting a tricky recovery from the tea trees, he completely missed the ball, leading to a bogey and dropping him outside the cut line. “I needed to play those last four holes the way I did,” McIlroy said after the round. And he delivered. The Northern Irishman birdied three of his last four holes, including a clutch finish on 18, to sign for a 68 and move to two-under—comfortably inside the cut.

Rory McIlroy turned embarrassment into brilliance with a late birdie blitz after an air swing nearly cost him the cut at the Australian Open. Rory McIlroy’s air swing on the 14th hole nearly cost him a place in the Australian Open weekend field. Attempting a tricky recovery from the tea trees, he completely missed the ball, leading to a bogey and dropping him outside the cut line. “I needed to play those last four holes the way I did,” McIlroy said after the round. And he delivered. The Northern Irishman birdied three of his last four holes, including a clutch finish on 18, to sign for a 68 and move to two-under—comfortably inside the cut.

Much to the relief of tournament organisers and his legion of fans, Rory McIlroy survives to fight another day at the Australian Open.

Rory McIlroy has ignited debate ahead of the Australian Open, declaring Kingston Heath his pick over Royal Melbourne — a comment that’s ruffled Sandbelt feathers. Rory McIlroy has stirred controversy ahead of the Australian Open by declaring Kingston Heath his pick as Melbourne’s best golf course — ahead of the iconic Royal Melbourne. “I don’t want the membership to take this badly, but it’s probably not the best course in Melbourne,” McIlroy told reporters on Wednesday. Pressed on which course he rated highest, he replied without hesitation: “Kingston Heath.”

The 2025 Crown Australian Open kicks off Thursday at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and the draw for the first two rounds is stacked with star power. With Rory McIlroy, Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, and Min Woo Lee all in the field, fans are in for a treat. Early Start for Rory Coverage begins 7:00 am AEDT Thursday—the earliest Thursday start since Tiger Woods played in 2009—because Rory McIlroy is in one of the morning marquee groups. If you’re tuning in, set your alarm! Marquee Groups to Watch…

The 2025 Crown Australian Open tees off this Thursday, December 4, at the iconic Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest Australian Opens in history. With a world-class field headlined by Rory McIlroy, Cam Smith, Adam Scott, and Min Woo Lee, you won’t want to miss a moment. TV & Streaming Coverage You can catch every round live across multiple platforms: Free-to-Air: Channel Nine and 9Now Pay TV & Streaming: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports New Zealand: Sky Sport Broadcast Times (AEDT) Thursday, Dec 4: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm…