Masters champ Rory McIlroy makes promise to bring green jacket to Australian Open

After becoming just the sixth player to complete golf’s career grand slam, Rory McIlroy has made a promise to Australian fans as part of his pitch to revitalise global golf.

Masters hero Rory McIlroy has vowed to bring the green jacket, the most coveted sporting apparel in the world, to Australia as part of his pitch to revitalise global golf.

Just days out from his mission to win The Open championship in his native Northern Ireland, McIlroy spoke of his fondness for Australia and push for men’s professional golf to be showcased in broader markets.

His management confirmed to News Corp Australia McIlroy’s intention to give Melbourne fans an up-close-and-personal look at the green jacket when he headlines the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne later this year.

McIlroy became just the sixth player to complete golf’s career grand slam when he won the Masters in stunning fashion from Justin Rose in a play-off at Augusta National.

Rory McIlroy has promised to bring the most coveted sporting apparel in the world to Australia this summer. Picture: AFP

It was his first major win in 11 years and came with the backdrop of negotiations for his return to Australia.

Adam Scott (2013) and Sergio Garcia (2017) have both been recent Masters winners to wear the green jacket in Australia later that year.

But there will be no more highly anticipated green jacket visit than that of McIlroy after Golf Australia and the Victorian government pulled off a heist to bring the most popular golfer in the world to the Melbourne sandbelt for the next two national championships.

“I’ve always been quite an international player, and I’ve enjoyed going to different places,” McIlroy said.

“I just think at this stage of my career, basically 18 years into my professional career, to still be able to experience new things and play in new tournaments, that’s something that means a lot to me.

“I’m really excited for obviously this week, but I’m excited for the rest of the year with the Ryder Cup, India, Australia and everything else that’s to follow.”

Man of the people: Rory McIlroy signs autographs on the 18th green following a practice round for the 2025 British Open. Picture: AP

McIlroy was out hours before most of his rivals for a solo practice round on Monday (BST), which started in abysmal conditions.

The rest of the day was spent with blaring horns as officials hauled golfers and spectators from the course on multiple occasions due to lightning activity.

Still, there remains only one name on the lips of locals: McIlroy.

One of the seaside village’s coffee shops has changed its name this week. Instead of being known as Bob and Berts, it has been rebranded Rory and Berts, and is doing a bustling trade as well.

The quaint nature of The Open means a town with a population of just 6000 people can host the most historic golf event in the world. You just need to have a course befitting.

With daylight extending past 10pm local time, holidaymakers flood the majestic Causeway Coast at this time of year.

Rory McIlroy is among the favourites for this year’s Open. Picture: Getty

The weekend saw temperatures edging close to 30 degrees. It seemed every second male, from teenagers to grey nomads, were walking down the promenade shirtless. Local news splashed with headlines of the “extreme” temperatures being the United Kingdom’s “new normal”.

But nothing is normal about McIlroy this week.

He’s so feted, so adored in these parts, he had a crowd many NRL clubs would be happy with snaking around this brute of a golf course with him just for practice.

By the time he sunk a birdie putt on his final hole with the rain having cleared, the stands creaked with cheers and applause like he’d sunk the winning putt on Sunday.

Did anyone tell them this was a practice round?

“Rors” is worshipped in Northern Ireland because, partly, he’s never forgotten his roots.

He keeps his circle tight. His caddie is childhood friend Harry Diamond. One of the only times McIlroy choked up when he was asked umpteen questions after his Masters win was when Diamond was mentioned.

Rory McIlroy with caddy Harry Diamond (L) during a practice round ahead of the Open. Picture: AP

His coach, Michael Bannon, has been with him since he was eight, and was there again at the start of The Open week.

He played Royal Portrush in the 2019 Open Championship and tried to isolate himself from the hysteria. He missed the cut.

“(I remember) the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being prepared for it or not being ready for how I was going to feel or what I was going to feel,” he said.

“I think it’s more of an embrace everything that’s going to come my way this week and not try to shy away from it or hide away from it, and I think that’ll make for a better experience for everyone involved.”

Originally published as Masters champ Rory McIlroy makes promise to bring green jacket to Australian Open