MCILROY HAILS ‘INCREDIBLE’ AUSSIE CROWDS
World number two Rory McIlroy hails ‘incredible crowds’ as he competed in the Crown Australian Open at Royal Melbourne. (Photo: Getty/DP World Tour)
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy ended his historic 2025 season Down Under at the Crown Australian Open where he said the crowds were "absolutely incredible” at Royal Melbourne and that he looks forward to returning there next year.
The 2025 Masters Champion and Grand Slam winner enjoyed the support of huge crowds that lined the fairways and surrounded greens as he eventually tied 14th on seven under in his final competitive outing of the season. The world number to closed with back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th for the third day in a row for a closing round of 69.
"It’s been absolutely amazing. I’ve been excited to come back down here for a while,” said McIlroy, heaping praise on the Australian fans.
"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."
McIlroy’s historic year included victory at the Amgen Irish Open at The K Club and playing a key role in Europe's historic away Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black.
He is excited by the prospect of having a well-earned rest over the Christmas period, adding: "I’m looking forward to a little break.
"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."