The Australian Open is back this week at Royal Melbourne, and while it’s across the ditch, it’s one of the closest chances Kiwi fans get to see a truly world-class field without trekking halfway around the globe.
With Rory McIlroy headlining and a wave of international stars making the trip, the tournament shapes as one of the strongest in recent years—something Kiwi golf followers will have a keen eye on as the summer of golf ramps up at home.
Why this tournament matters for Kiwi fans
1. A preview of talent heading our way
The Aussie Open often acts as an unofficial warm-up before several top players appear in New Zealand events or exhibitions. Seeing how they’re shaping up at Royal Melbourne gives Kiwi fans a good read on form.
2. A chance to watch world golf just “next door”
With McIlroy, Adam Scott, Cameron Smith and Min Woo Lee all teeing it up, it’s one of the strongest line-ups available to NZ viewers in our timezone — no 3am wakeups required.
3. Trans-Tasman bragging rights
Aussie golf has been on a strong run lately, but Kiwis will be keeping an eye on whether the home favourites can hold their ground against the “foreign invasion”. The more pressure international players put on the Aussie elite, the more interesting things get ahead of major Australasian tournaments.
4. Storylines that carry into the NZ summer
Strong performances from players like Min Woo Lee, David Puig or the in-form Joaquin Niemann usually draw attention and hype around the New Zealand Open and other domestic events. Think of it as the first chapter in the region’s summer golf narrative.
Confirmed stars at the Australian Open
- Rory McIlroy
- Cameron Smith
- Adam Scott
- Min Woo Lee
- Marc Leishman
- David Puig
- Joaquin Niemann
- Carlos Ortiz
- Sebastian Munoz
- Josele Ballester
- Marco Penge
- Victor Perez
- Jordan Smith
- Yannick Paul
- Richie Ramsay
- Manuel Elvira
When and where
The Australian Open runs from Thursday, 4 December to Sunday, 7 December at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Black Rock, Melbourne — one of the world’s finest sandbelt courses and a familiar proving ground for Australasian golf.
