Australian Open Golf 2025: Thrilling Action at Royal Melbourne as Championship Unfolds
Historic Tournament Returns to Royal Melbourne
The 2025 Australian Open is being played from Thursday, December 4 to Sunday, December 7 at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the first time since 1991, using the iconic Composite Course, which comprises holes from both the West and East courses. This prestigious tournament holds special significance this year, as the winner will receive an invitation to the following year’s Masters tournament as part of a new move by Augusta National that awards Masters spots to winners of six historic national opens.
Star-Studded Field and Current Leaderboard
The tournament has attracted world-class talent, headlined by Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2 who has committed to the Australian Open for the next two years. After shooting a 3-under 68 on Friday, McIlroy moved to 1-under on the tournament and made the weekend cut following a dramatic finish with birdies on three of the last four holes. Leaders Daniel Rodrigues and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen sit at nine under, holding a one-stroke advantage over Min Woo Lee, who fired a 65, while fellow Australians Adam Scott and Cameron Smith share fourth.
Tournament Significance and Prize Purse
The 2025 Australian Open features a minimum prize purse of AUD $2 million, as confirmed by Golf Australia, with money distributed across the entire leaderboard in line with PGA Tour of Australasia regulations. Moving Day arrives at Royal Melbourne with the field set for a defining third round, with rain and wind scheduled as the championship picture begins to take shape. The tournament continues to showcase Australia’s rich golfing heritage, with the Stonehaven Cup awarded to the winner, the official trophy that has been presented since 1930. With intense competition from both local stars and international talent, the 2025 Australian Open promises an exciting conclusion as players battle for one of golf’s historic national championships and the coveted Masters invitation.