McIlroy out to defend Aussie crown

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.
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.