Eyes peeled for pariah premier Dan Andrews at the Australian Open
The Australian Open’s return to Royal Melbourne — headlined by Rory McIlroy — has golf lovers in raptures. But they might not be so happy if they see Daniel Andrews.
Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers
Daniel Andrews has been keeping a low profile in recent months.
Given his last appearance in front of the cameras was at Xi Jinping’s military parade in Beijing, alongside Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, that is probably for the best.
But the talk around the traps this week is whether the former premier will bob his head up for the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.
It is hard to imagine the golf nuffy would be able to stay away. Then again, Andrews is something of a pariah on Melbourne’s sandbelt, dating back to well before his incomprehensible decision to schmooze with some of the world’s worst dictators.
Many of his fellow golfers were furious he put their hobby out of bounds during the Covid pandemic, something they have made clear whenever he has tried to tee off since then.
Two and a half years ago, the members of Royal Melbourne bristled when Andrews rocked up as a guest. Will he dare mix with them this weekend to get a glimpse of Rory McIlroy and Aussie stars Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee and Adam Scott?
If Andrews does decide to keep his distance, at least he can take some solace in McIlroy’s pre-tournament jab at Royal Melbourne.
“I don’t want the membership to take this badly…it’s probably not the best course in Melbourne,” he said.
The world no. 2 prefers Kingston Heath — where the former premier is a member.
Back when he was leading the state, Andrews swung a deal to bring the Presidents Cup to his club in 2028.
If Anthony Albanese has his way, Donald Trump will be in town for it. Wouldn’t that be something? Perhaps Andrews could extend the invitation to some of his new dictator mates.
Got a tip? Let us know: thesource@heraldsun.com.au
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