'Rumours are swirling...' Golf fans react to unexpected Rory McIlroy update

Rory McIlroy is reportedly in talks to make a competitive return to the Australian Open later this season, it is being reported by Australian Golf Digest. 

McIlroy, 36, has not competed for the famous Stonehaven Cup since 2014, a year after he defeated Adam Scott in a playoff at Royal Sydney in 2013. 

Although Golf Australia has declined comment on McIlroy's participation in the 2025 Australian Open, "rumours are swirling" that the new Masters champion and latest member of the career grand slam is about to make an unexpected return Down Under. 

McIlroy, who became the sixth player in the history of the men's game to complete the career grand slam last month, has made it no secret of his desire to once again play in the Australian Open.

The Northern Irishman has even echoed the sentiments of 18-time major record holder and six-time Australian Open champion Jack Nicklaus in labelling the Australian Open as the 'fifth major'.

McIlroy said at last year's Dubai Desert Classic "The Australian Open, for example, should almost be the fifth major. The market down there is huge with potential. They love golf. They love sport. They have been starved of top-level golf. And the courses are so good."

Tiger Woods competed in the Australian Open twice but he never managed to win it. 

He finished T5 on his debut in 1996 before going on to finish solo third in 2011. 

Woods won three times in total in Australia, twice at the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1998 and 2000, and he won the JBWere Masters in 2009. 

Per Australia Golf Digest, is believed the Victorian government's event and tourism arm Visit Victoria is desperate to get reigning Masters champion Masters into the field for the 2025 Australian Open. 

As it stands, the venue and dates of this year's Australian Open have yet to be confirmed.

The internationally-renowned Composite course at Royal Melbourne is a firm favourite to host the 121-year championship, which is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and the DP World Tour. 

Royal Melbourne has hosted the Australian Open 16 times down the years, but the last time it hosted was in 1991 when the tournament was won by Wayne Riley, who now works as Sky Sports Golf's on-course commentator. 

There is also expectation that the likes of LIV Golf superstar Cameron Smith will return to compete in the Australian Open, as too PGA Tour stars Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee.

McIlroy has made it clear this season that he will be working to a limited schedule in a bid to play his best golf and spend more time with his family.

But with the Australian Open scheduled for later this season before Christmas, it might just be the final event that McIlroy sticks on his schedule. 

"I can't wait to see Rory compete in Australia, been too long, absolutely buzzing," said one excited Australian golf fan.

"Unbelievable news if this is true," tweeted another.

One fan wrote: "Did not expect to wake up to his news but I'll be the first to buy a ticket if Rory is there."

"Take my money if Rory comes to town," commented one. 

It's so far been an incredible start to the 2025 season for McIlroy, who has won three times.

McIlroy won for the first time at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, before adding a second career win at The Players Championship and a first Masters to achieve golf immportality. 

The Ulsterman is currently second favourite (9/2) to win the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club from 15-18 May.