All the glitz and glamour from the Australian Open gala at Crown
Famous faces have flocked to Crown to hear from greats of the golfing world, with Rory McIlroy donning the green jacket he earned winning The Masters. See the pictures.
Golf star Rory McIlroy has stepped out at a gala dinner in Melbourne wearing his iconic green jacket he earned winning The Masters.
McIlroy was joined by other greats of the golfing world as he addressed a crowd of VIPs at the Australian Open gala at Crown Palladium on Tuesday night.
He said he was excited to play the “iconic” Royal Melbourne course.
“I think the golf here on the sandbelt in Melbourne is some of the best golf in the world,” he said.
“I’ve watched plenty of tournaments there over the years and it’s amazing.
“You know, it really is such an iconic golf course and I can’t wait to get started this week.”
In his first Aussie tournament since 2014, McIlroy said he valued the history of the sport down under.
“I feel like Australia has been such a big part of my golfing journey and it’s always great to come by,” he said.
Australian golfer Min Woo Lee said there was a buzz with McIlory in town.
“It’s great, it’ll be fun, he makes the tournament have a little bit more buzz,” he said.
“He’s one of the best players in the last decade.”
Cameron Smith, who missed the cut in Queensland last week, said he’d had more time to prepare at Royal Melbourne which he described as “perfect”.
“It wasn’t the best week last week, so I got down here early,” he said.
“I’d just say (Royal Melbourne) is perfect, it’s so good, it’s a pleasure to play and makes you think, play shots you don’t have to.”
Also at the Gala were Marc Leishman, Geoff Ogilvy and Joaquin Niemann.
Other guests included Nick Riewoldt, David Evans, Peter Helliar, Jimeoin, plus pro-am players Anabelle Smith, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Glenn Maxwell and Dylan Alcott.
Originally published as All the glitz and glamour from the Australian Open gala at Crown
Melbourne in line for golf coup as permanent Australian Open host
