Rory McIlroy reveals how Cam Smith inadvertently helped him make the cut at the Australian Open 

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Rory McIlroy is safely through to the weekend’s play at the Australian Open, but that was far from a guarantee midway through his back nine.

Making his first appearance at the Australian Open since 2014, the 2025 Masters winner was in serious danger of missing the cut, sitting one-over-par and below the projected cut line with four holes remaining. 

But Rory McIlroy, followed by a wave of Australian fans, pulled out three birdies in those final four holes to save his tournament and make it through to the weekend. 

Back-to-back birdies on the final two holes made for a grandstand finish to what’s been a difficult couple of days for the Northern Irishman. He had six bogeys yesterday and struggled for birdies during Friday’s action at Royal Melbourne. 

But he revealed after the round that it was Australian Cameron Smith who helped him score a birdie down the stretch and confirm his place for the final two days. 

How Cam Smith helped Rory McIlroy make the cut at the Australian Open

Going into the 15th hole, things looked dire for McIlroy. He needed to start making birdies if he stood any chance of making the cut, and he knew it.

But despite being one of six players to have completed the career Grand Slam, McIlroy was humble enough to learn from others in order to make a three on a par four 15th.

He explained after his round: “When I was playing the pro-am on Wednesday, I was sort of debating with Harry what to do, and we looked back, and Cam Smith had hit driver off the tee, and hit it just short left of the green.

“I didn’t even think about that play, and I was like oh, that actually could be it. That was in the back of mind, and today was the good wind to do it.

“I felt like I was at a point in the tournament when it was sort of then or never. I didn’t feel like it was an easy birdie from laying back, so took the driver and thankfully made a good swing.”

It’s hard to imagine that McIlroy knew that copying Smith’s route to the hole would end up saving his tournament, but he leaned on all of his years of experience to stay alive in Melbourne.

How Cam Smith is getting on at the Australian Open

Smith was despondent after the Australian PGA Championship when a disastrous second round saw him inexplicably miss the cut. But he’s picked himself back up in his home country to get into contention at the Australian Open. 

Smith is two shots off the lead at seven-under after shooting a second-round 65. He’s been in poor form since Smith signed with LIV Golf, so it’s nice to see him back on form in front of his home fans. 

In fact, it’s been a great week so far for all of the home stars. Min Woo Lee and Adam Scott, who played alongside McIlroy for the opening two days, are both in contention. 

Scott, Australia’s only Masters winner, is tied with Smith, but it’s Lee that leads the Aussies at eight-under. 

Leading the event is Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson, who just secured his PGA Tour card with his performances on the DP World Tour. He followed his opening round 67 with a 66 in an impressive display so far.