Rory McIlroy reveals facing “tricky conditions” in Australian Open as he describes a “rollercoaster” Round 1
Rory McIlroy faced challenging conditions at the 2026 Australian Open, describing his first round as a “rollercoaster” due to tricky winds at Royal Melbourne Golf Club. The Northern Irishman, a 20-time DP World Tour winner, started early in the day and battled wind gusts of up to 40 miles per hour. Despite carding five birdies and six bogeys, McIlroy finished the round at 1-over par, tying for 57th place.
During a post-round press conference, McIlroy shared his thoughts on the tough conditions at Royal Melbourne GC, stating, “It was a rollercoaster day. Every time I got a birdie or two, I got a bogey or two… It was tricky conditions… I think the tricky thing with this north wind is there’s a lot of heavy crosswinds and depending on what you want to do with your shot, that crosswind can hurt it, or it can help it, you want to ride the wind or fight it…”
McIlroy also discussed strategies for dealing with the challenging north winds, emphasizing the importance of utilizing the width of the fairways and driving shots into the greens to counter the windy conditions effectively. Despite the difficulties, McIlroy praised the Australian crowd for their support during his early morning tee time, highlighting the pride and passion that Australians have for their National Open.
The golfer, who previously won the Australian Open in 2013 at Royal Sydney Golf Club, expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic spectators and the special atmosphere of the event. McIlroy’s victory in 2013 came after a close battle with Adam Scott, where he clinched the title with a one-stroke lead to lift the prestigious Stonehaven Cup.
Overall, McIlroy’s experience at the 2026 Australian Open showcased his resilience in challenging conditions and his appreciation for the support of the Australian fans. The Northern Irishman’s performance in the tournament reflects his competitive spirit and determination to overcome obstacles on the golf course.
