Introduction to the 2025 Australian Open
The 2025 Australian Open is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated golf tournaments in recent memory. The event is headlined by the arrival of this year’s Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, who returns to Australia for the first time since 2014. This landmark moment for the tournament is co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour. As the golfing world turns its attention to Royal Melbourne, we take a closer look at what to expect from this year’s championship.
Tournament Details
The 2025 Australian Open will be played from Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7, with practice days on Monday and Tuesday, and the official tournament pro-am on Wednesday. The championship will be staged at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the first time since 1991, using the iconic Composite Course, which comprises holes from both the West and East courses, both ranked in the top 10 in Australia. Royal Melbourne also played host to the Presidents Cup in 1998, 2011, and 2019.
Host Venue and Rotation
The Australian Open rotates between host venues, traditionally moving between major cities. Last year, it was held at Kingston Heath, which will be the home of the Open again in 2026. This rotation allows the tournament to showcase different courses and cities, providing a unique experience for players and spectators alike.
Broadcast and Streaming
The 2025 Australian Open will be broadcast in Australia on Channel 9, Fox Sports, and Kayo, ensuring that golf fans across the country can catch all the action from Royal Melbourne. With a strong field and a challenging course, this year’s tournament promises to be an exciting one.
Tee Times and Player Field
The first round of the Australian Open will feature a star-studded field, including Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Cameron Smith, and Marc Leishman. The tee times for the first round are as follows:
A full list of tee times and players can be found on the official Australian Open website.
Final Round and Weather Forecast
The final round of the Australian Open will take place on Sunday, December 7, with the final group expected to finish around 5 pm, depending on weather and pace of play. The weather forecast for the week is looking varied, with Thursday expected to be the pick of the bunch at 31 degrees and sunny. However, as with any Melbourne event, the weather can be unpredictable, and players and spectators should be prepared for anything.
Rory McIlroy’s Return to Australia
Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2 and five-time major champion, has committed to the Australian Open for the next two years. McIlroy, who completed the career grand slam with his Masters win this year, returns to Australia for the first time since defending the Stonehaven Cup in 2014. He has expressed his excitement about playing on the world-class Melbourne Sandbelt and competing in one of the world’s great sporting cities.
Other Big Names in the Field
Beyond McIlroy, the strong field includes Aussies Adam Scott, Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee, and Marc Leishman, as well as international players such as LIV stars Joaquin Niemann, Carlos Ortiz, Sebastian Munoz, and Josele Ballester. The tournament also features leading DP World Tour players Marco Penge, Victor Perez, Jordan Smith, Yannick Paul, Richie Ramsay, and Manuel Elvira.
Past Winners and Records
The Australian Open has a rich history, with some of the sport’s greatest players dominating the event over different eras. The tournament’s all-time record belongs to Gary Player, who won an incredible seven Australian Opens across three decades. Jack Nicklaus is right behind him with six titles, while the most decorated Australian champion is Greg Norman, a five-time winner spanning 16 years.
Last Year’s Winner
American Ryggs Johnston claimed the Stonehaven Cup in 2024 with a nerveless final-round four-under-par 68 at Kingston Heath. However, he is not in this year’s Melbourne field.
The Stonehaven Cup
The Stonehaven Cup is the trophy awarded to the winner of the Australian Open. Although the tournament first started in 1904, only since 1930 has the championship had an official trophy. It was named after Baron Stonehaven, the Governor-General of Australia from 1925 to 1930.
Prize Money and Masters Invitation
The 2025 Australian Open will feature a minimum prize purse of AUD $2 million, as confirmed by Golf Australia. The winner of the tournament will also receive an invitation to the following year’s Masters tournament as part of a new move by Augusta National that awards Masters spots to winners of six historic national opens.
