In case you missed it, Rory McIlroy wasted no time reacquainting himself with Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt after touching down for the 2025 Crown Australian Open.
In what was his first appearance at the national championship since 2014, McIlroy gave the crowd all the thrills and spills they’re used to seeing from the 2025 Masters champion. But perhaps the best footage of McIlroy last week came before the tournament even started.
In partnership with Visit Victoria, the Masters champion embarked on a whirlwind “Ode to the Sandbelt” tour, taking on five of the region’s most iconic holes: the 2nd at Metropolitan, the 7th at Victoria, the 15th at Commonwealth, the 15th at Kingston Heath and the storied 5th on Royal Melbourne’s West Course.
Across the video, the World No.2 reflects on what makes Sandbelt golf so special – the firm, fast surfaces, the strategic bunkering and Melbourne’s unmistakable golf culture – describing it all as “some of the best golf in the world.”
Relive the magic here:
Now that’s some composite course right there. We look forward to the next episode in 2026 when Rory returns to Kingston Heath for our national Open.
