The Australian Open returns to arguably the most iconic golf course in the Southern Hemisphere this week, with Royal Melbourne hosting the event for a 17th time.
Rory McIlroy is the headline name in the field for the Australian Open. The Northern Irishman won the event back in 2013, while Jack Nicklaus won the tournament six times during his career.
Meanwhile, Royal Melbourne has hosted the Presidents Cup on three occasions, most recently in 2019 when Team USA recovered from a 10-8 deficit ahead of the singles to win 16-14.
Of course, it was Tiger Woods who led the American team that week Down Under, with the 15-time major champion acting as the playing captain.
Tiger Woods issued his verdict on Royal Melbourne after the 2019 Presidents Cup
Woods was one of six American players to win on Sunday in Melbourne, with the likes of Patrick Reed and Xander Schauffele also delivering full points for the visitors.
And speaking after Team USA’s victory was confirmed, Woods explained what is so special about Royal Melbourne and why he loves the course so much.
“I’ve enjoyed playing here. This has been over 20 years that I’ve been coming to Royal Melbourne and been able to play it,” he said.
“I’ve played different composite setups, but I just have enjoyed the way that it’s been played. This is the ultimate in golf. It’s like an Open Championship with Augusta greens.
“It’s difficult. And it’s the way golf should be played – on the ground if you want, up in the air if you need to. It’s tricky. You don’t have to have 240 yard par threes for it to be very difficult. That third and fifth hole, in particular, is all you want in two golf holes. On five, I’ve hit between a full wedge and a full six iron.
“So it’s a lot of fun to be able to play.”
How Tiger Woods has performed in his three Presidents Cup appearances at Royal Melbourne
Woods was the only player on either side to end the 2019 Presidents Cup with a perfect record. He won all three matches he contested that week, including both games alongside Justin Thomas over the first two days.
Woods was less successful at the same course in 2011, proving to be a contentious pick for the event. He won two points from five matches, but Team USA still got across the line relatively comfortably.
Funnily enough, his record was identical in 1998 when he made his debut in the event at Royal Melbourne.
He did beat Greg Norman in the penultimate match of the Sunday singles. However, that week saw the Internationals win the Presidents Cup for the first time.
As of 2025, that remains their only victory in the event.
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