Adam Scott says what it was like having to play with Rory McIlroy on day one at the Australian Open

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Adam Scott found himself at the center of attention at his home open at Royal Melbourne.

Australia’s only Masters winner, Adam Scott, was grouped with Rory McIlroy and Min Woo Lee for his opening rounds at the Australian Open, and they were met with a rapturous welcome. 

A sea of fans were waiting for McIlroy, Scott, and Lee for their 7 am tee time, and they lined the fairways throughout their round to see two of their home country heroes and the 2025 Masters winner in action in Melbourne. 

Both Scott and Lee handled the environment well, finishing two under par and four shots off the leaders. After the round, Scott explained what it was like playing alongside McIlroy and in front of the masses of fans.

Adam Scott on what playing with Rory McIlroy and Min Woo Lee was like

Scott settled into his round nicely, going even-par on the front nine, and an eagle on the 14th hole helped him to a solid score to open his tournament. 

The experienced Australian embraced the experience with the fans. He’d have known this reception was coming after the fanfare that surrounded McIlroy’s practice round on Wednesday. 

Speaking about the environment, he said, “It’s great. It’s major style golf. Thanks Rory and Min. Just bringing so many people out there, it’s exciting.

“So many kids as well, it’s fantastic to see. So thrilled to be out there with them. Hopefully, we get some good weather tomorrow and the scores go low.”

Scott continued, “I mean, playing with Rory and Min and fighting to get to the 10th tee this morning with the crowds was good fun.

“But the course held up well even in some of the most challenging wind I’ve probably ever played out here. Testament to the course and it’s great for the tournament.”

Adam Scott reveals what made Royal Melbourne the most challenging it’s been in years

Royal Melbourne is one of the best golf courses on the planet, and it has given the players an almighty test so far. It’s a challenge at the best of times, but Scott said this is the most difficult it’s been in years due to the windy conditions on the course.

He explained: “It was probably one of the most challenging days I’ve had at Royal Melbourne over the years. They did not cut the greens, thank goodness.

“It was really hard to get a rhythm going and very hard to be precise and get it close, especially on the cross winds. I am pretty happy with that score, actually, as it was super playable.”

But while he had trouble getting to the green, Scott said he had some success on the putting surface once he was there.

He continued, “The putting feels good, it’s just hard to get it in there close to have a lot of looks, but I managed to get a few to go, so hopefully I can keep that going for the rest of the week.”

One thing is clear after the opening day of the Australian Open: there wouldn’t be a much more popular winner out there than Scott!