Rory McIlroy endured what he called a “roller coaster” opening round at the Crown Australian Open, shooting a 1-over 72 at Royal Melbourne that left him seven strokes behind the leaders.
It’s worth noting that McIlroy raised eyebrows before the tournament when he suggested Royal Melbourne wasn’t the best sandbelt course in the city. The course may have had the last laugh as McIlroy battled through six bogeys and five birdies in swirling winds that gusted up to 38 mph.
“Every time I got a birdie or two I got a bogey or two,” McIlroy said. “It wasn’t terrible. I hit it in a couple of bad spots and had a couple of three-putts as well. I limited the damage. I hope the conditions are better tomorrow.”
For what it’s worth, Kingston Heath — the course McIlroy praised as Melbourne’s finest — will host the Presidents Cup in 2028.
The Race to Dubai winner is making his first appearance at the Australian Open since 2015, having won the event in 2013. His round started on the back nine with a birdie on the 10th hole, immediately followed by two bogeys, setting the tone for his up-and-down day.
McIlroy’s playing partners fared better in the challenging conditions. Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee each shot 69 to sit four strokes back of the leaders. The marquee group teed off at 7 a.m. but still drew thousands of spectators.
“It was amazing, I couldn’t believe how many people were there,” McIlroy said. “There are events in golf that means a little bit more. I think people in Australia take so much pride in this event.”
Scott echoed that sentiment: “Playing with Rory and Min and fighting to get to the 10th tee this morning with the crowds was good fun. But the course held up well even in some of the most challenging wind I’ve probably ever played out here. Testament to the course and it’s great for the tournament.”
First-Round Leaders
Elvis Smylie, the left-handed Australian who won last year’s Australian PGA tournament, shares the lead at 65 with New Zealander Ryan Fox and Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz. Ortiz eagled his second-last hole, the 17th, to join the leaders at 6-under.
Smylie benefited from a lucky bounce when his wayward approach on the par-4 1st hole (his 10th) hit a spectator and ricocheted to about five feet from the pin, setting up a birdie.
“I think when things like that happen, you just know that the golf gods are on your side for the day,” Smylie said.
Cameron Smith, who’s been struggling with eight consecutive missed cuts, posted a 70 despite bogeying two of his final three holes.
“I feel like I did pretty good today… made all the putts I was supposed to make and I probably left a couple out there, but it is what it is,” Smith said.
Last week’s Australian PGA champion David Puig struggled to a 74.
The Australian Open is just the second event on the European tour’s new schedule. The winner receives a Masters exemption for 2025, while the top three finishers not already exempt will qualify for the 2026 British Open at Royal Birkdale.
