The Australian Open 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The 2025 Australian Open promises to be one of the most anticipated events in recent memory. Headlining the tournament is this year’s Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, who returns to Australia for the first time since 2014, marking a milestone for the tournament co-organized by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the DP World Tour. Here’s everything you need to know about the tournament, including the participants and how to follow all the action from Royal Melbourne.When will the 2025 Australian Open be played?
The 2025 Australian Open will take place from Thursday, December 4th to Sunday, December 7th. Practice days will be Monday and Tuesday, with the official pro-am tournament on Wednesday.Tournament Venue
This year, the championship will be held at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the first time since 1991, using the iconic Composite course, which combines holes from the West and East courses, both ranked among the top 10 in Australia. Royal Melbourne also hosted the Presidents Cup in 1998, 2011, and 2019.Has It Always Been in the Same Place?
No. The Australian Open rotates between different venues, traditionally alternating between major cities. Last year it was held at Kingston Heath, which will again host the Open in 2026.Where to Watch the Australian Open in Australia?
The broadcast of the 2025 Australian Open in Australia will be handled by Channel 9, Fox Sports, and Kayo.Departure Times
McIlroy will play with Australians Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee, in a featured group that will tee off at 7:05 am on Thursday from the 10th tee. The trio will start at 12:05 pm the next day from the first tee. Weekend tee times usually start a little later, with the leaders going out in the mid-afternoon.Consult here the complete order of play for rounds 1 and 2.
When is the Australian Open Final Round?
The final round will be played on Sunday, December 7th, with the final group expected to finish around 5 pm, depending on the weather and pace of play.Weather Forecast
A typical Melbourne week is expected, so prepare for a bit of everything. Thursday will be the best day, with 31 degrees and sunshine, perfect conditions. Friday will cool down to about 23 degrees, but it should be clear. There is a chance of light rain on Saturday, and on Sunday it will drop to about 18 degrees. But, after all, we are in Melbourne, so take all this with a grain of caution.Why is Rory McIlroy Playing the Australian Open?
The Northern Irishman and world number 2 has committed to the Australian Open for the next two years. The five-time major champion, who completed the career Grand Slam this year with his victory at the Masters, returns for the first time since defending the Stonehaven Cup, the year following his match against Adam Scott in 2013, where he was finally crowned champion.McIlroy, who once called this tournament the fifth major of golf, added: “The success of the Australian Open is important for global golf, and I am incredibly confident that it will thrive again this year, especially as it is held in one of the world’s great sporting cities and at two of the best golf courses in the world for the next two years: The Royal Melbourne Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club. Melbourne is known for being one of the great sporting cities in the world and I can’t wait to be part of that atmosphere and soak up everything it has to offer, both on and off the field.” The presence of McIlroy, possibly the most recognized player in world golf, has generated great interest in this year’s tournament.I am proud to commit to the Australian Open for the next two years, especially as it will be played at the Melbourne Sandbelt, a place where I have always wanted to play professionally.
Rory McIlroy
How Many Times Has Rory Played in Australia?
McIlroy arrived in Australia for the first time in 2005, being a rookie on the scene. At 16 years old, he competed in the Australian Masters, an annual tournament held in Huntingdale, Melbourne, before returning in 2013 with a victory at the Open at Royal Sydney. He then returned in 2014 to defend his crown, but was unsuccessful against the American and now two-time winner Jordan Spieth.What Other Notable Names Will Compete at Royal Melbourne?
In addition to McIlroy, the strong field includes Australians Adam Scott, Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee and Marc Leishman, and a strong international presence, such as LIV stars Joaquin Niemann, Carlos Ortiz, Sebastian Munoz and Josele Ballester, and leading DP World Tour players Marco Penge, Victor Perez, Jordan Smith, Yannick Paul, Richie Ramsay and Manuel Elvira.Who Has the Most Wins at the Australian Open?
Several of the best players in this sport have dominated this event throughout different eras. The all-time record for the tournament belongs to Gary Player, who won an incredible seven Australian Opens across three decades (1958, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1969, 1970, and 1974). Just behind him is the legend Jack Nicklaus with six titles (1964, 1968, 1971, 1975, 1976, and 1978), while the most decorated Australian champion is Greg Norman, with five victories in 16 years (1980, 1985, 1987, 1995, and 1996).Who Won the Australian Open Last Year?
American Ryggs Johnston claimed the Stonehaven Cup in 2024 with a final round of 68 strokes under par at Kingston Heath. However, he is not in this year’s Melbourne field.What is the Stonehaven Cup?
The Stonehaven Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Australian Open. Although the tournament began in 1904, the championship did not have an official trophy until 1930. It was named in honor of Lord Stonehaven, the Governor-General of Australia (and avid golfer) from 1925 to 1930.
