McIlroy out to defend Aussie crown

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Rory McIlroy is hoping to again end his season on appositive note when he tees-off at the Australian Open on Thursday.

The current world No 1 had endured a difficult 2013 season, but finished the year off by snatching victory from local favourite Adam Scott in Sydney where after he won back-to-back majors.

McIlroy also tasted success at the WGC-Bridgestone tournament and the BMW PGA Championship.

In 2013 the Australian Open was the only tournament he was able to win.

“I’m really looking forward to defending my Australian Open title,” McIlroy told ESPN.

“I was four shots behind Adam going into the weekend and he was coming off two wins and he was the Masters champion.
“So to battle with him for 36 holes and come out on top, I did take a lot from that victory. It was my one and only victory from 2013, but it ended the year for me on a high and it gave me momentum going into 2014.”

Prior to McIlroy’s intervention, Scott looked set to capture the ‘Big Three’ in Australia after winning the Australian PGA and Australian Masters titles.
He and was one shot clear of McIlroy going into the last hole at Royal Sydney, but would make bogey while

However, he fell apart at the death, hitting his second shot over the back of the green and getting down in three for a bogey allowing McIlroy to overtake him.
Scott admitted that he has had a tough time living down that error in judgement.

“I’ve still got a thorn in my side about the Australian Open last year so it will be fun to have another crack at that,” Scott said.

“Rory’s taken his game up a notch and that’s inspired me to work harder because he’s got to have more motivation than ever for what’s upcoming for him next year,” Scott said.

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