The 2025 Crown Australian Open is set to tee off this Thursday at the legendary Royal Melbourne Golf Club, and the stage couldn’t be more perfectly set. One of the crown jewels of the Australian sporting calendar, this year's tournament boasts a star-studded international field and a broadcast schedule that ensures fans won’t miss a single swing.
A Global Field with Local Firepower
When you talk about elite-level golf, names like Rory McIlroy immediately command attention. The Northern Irishman remains one of the most compelling players in the game, and his presence at Royal Melbourne adds serious weight to the leaderboard. But he’s far from the only headline act.
Australia’s own Adam Scott returns to familiar turf, bringing with him years of experience and a deep connection to this course. Alongside him, Min Woo Lee and Cameron Smith round out a homegrown contingent that’s as talented as it is entertaining. Lee’s flair and aggressive shot-making have made him a fan favorite, while Smith, with his trademark calm and world-class short game, is always a threat when the pressure mounts.
This mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars is exactly what you want in a tournament of this caliber. It’s not just about big names-it’s about players who know how to perform on a course that demands precision, creativity, and nerves of steel.
How to Watch: Wall-to-Wall Coverage
Whether you're watching from your couch or tuning in on the go, the Crown Australian Open has you covered with comprehensive live coverage across both free-to-air and subscription platforms.
- Free-to-Air: Channel Nine and 9Now will be broadcasting every round live, making it easy for fans across Australia to follow the action without a paywall.
- Pay TV & Streaming: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports will also carry full coverage, offering in-depth analysis and additional features for the more hardcore golf fans.
- New Zealand Viewers: Sky Sport will bring the tournament to Kiwi audiences.
Broadcast Times (AEDT):
- Thursday, Dec 4: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday, Dec 5: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Saturday, Dec 6: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Sunday, Dec 7: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
It’s a full slate of golf from sunup to sundown on Thursday, before shifting to a more traditional afternoon broadcast window for the rest of the week.
On-Site Experience: More Than Just Golf
If you're lucky enough to be on the ground at Royal Melbourne, you’re in for more than just world-class golf. The tournament’s off-course offerings have become a key part of the experience, and this year is no exception.
‘The 19th’ is back and promises to be the social heartbeat of the event. Think premium food and drinks, live music, and interactive entertainment all wrapped into a vibrant festival atmosphere. It’s the kind of setup that turns a day at the golf course into a full-blown summer outing.
The Course: A True Test of Champions
Royal Melbourne is no ordinary venue. Widely regarded as one of the finest courses in the world, its sandbelt layout is a masterclass in strategic design. Wide fairways invite aggressive play, but the devil is in the details-firm greens, punishing bunkers, and subtle undulations can quickly turn bold ambition into a scramble for par.
Players will need every club in the bag and every ounce of mental toughness to navigate this track. It’s not just about distance; it’s about shot placement, creativity, and knowing when to take your medicine.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the trophy and the prize money, this tournament is a key opportunity for players to build momentum heading into the 2026 season. For the Aussies in the field, it’s a chance to shine on home soil. For the internationals, it’s a chance to conquer one of the game’s most respected venues and make a statement early in the global golf calendar.
So whether you're watching from the grandstands or catching every hole from your living room, the 2025 Crown Australian Open is shaping up to be a can't-miss event. With a loaded field, a world-class course, and a fan experience that goes well beyond the ropes, this week in Melbourne has all the makings of something special.