Both Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott have drawn an interesting comparison between Royal Melbourne and Augusta National.
McIlroy, Scott, and Min Woo Lee are set to play together in one of the headline groups for the first two rounds of the Australian Open.
This year’s event carries added weight with the tournament being held at Royal Melbourne, which many believe is the country’s top course.
And it must be a truly special place if the reigning Masters champion is comparing it to Augusta after playing only nine holes.
Rory McIlroy highlights similarities between Royal Melbourne and Augusta National
McIlroy has made four appearances at the Australian Open, including a win in 2013, but this will be his first time playing at Royal Melbourne.
This year’s venue is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, which was part of the draw for McIlroy.
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia ahead of the tournament, he pointed out what stands out most about Royal Melbourne, bringing Augusta National to the conversation.
“I think the golf here in the sand belt and in Melbourne is some of the best in the world. I’ve only played Kingston Heath and Huntingdale, really, so to get the chance to play the front nine at Royal Melbourne today was a real treat,” he said.
“I’ve watched plenty of tournaments here over the years, and it’s amazing. It really is. It’s such an iconic golf course, and I can’t wait to get started this week.
“I think the greens are very undulating. You can get some very interesting hole positions. Some of the greens are not too dissimilar to Augusta National. And then the bunkering and visuals as well. It’s such a different style of golf here than around the rest of the world.
“Hopefully, as the weather continues to get better as the week goes on, we can get some first and fast conditions over the weekend, which I think everyone wants.”
Adam Scott echoes Rory McIlroy’s Augusta National comparison
Scott, who won the Australian Open in 2009, agrees with McIlroy that Royal Melbourne shares similarities with Augusta National.
He spoke about how both courses force players to think more strategically than they might at most other venues on the professional circuit.
The Sandbelt area of Melbourne is home to eight highly regarded golf courses, including Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath.
“I think it really just gives you a lot of options to play shots. You risk a lot if you’re aggressive and want to fire near the pin. You can play conservatively and leave yourself a challenging putt.
“You really have to manage your game very well, a little bit like Augusta. The golf courses have the same designer (Dr. Alister MacKenzie).
“It’s a little bit like links as well. There’s a lot more strategy involved on the Sandbelt than we usually play week in and week out in the Tour,” Scott concluded.
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