Adam Scott discusses how Rory McIlroy’s appearance could influence next year’s Australian Open

Adam Scott on why Rory McIlroy’s presence matters for the Australian Open

Jack Nicklaus once called the Australian Open “the fifth major.” Back then, it regularly pulled in some of the biggest names in golf. That’s changed over time, but this week has sparked hope that things could be turning around.

McIlroy is the first superstar to feature at the event since Tiger Woods was in his prime. And after seeing how well-received he was in Melbourne, Scott believes more top players might start making the trip Down Under.

Speaking to Fox Sports, Scott said: “I think it can move in that direction. I think there’s a thirst for international golf at the moment, and we’re lucky to have a guy at the top of the game like Rory, who’s a really international player and believes in that, and he’s carrying a lot of that weight on his shoulders. His support is huge.

“We have venues to handle it. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more big names queuing up to come next year after what they see this week.”

This week didn’t just highlight fan support for McIlroy; he also spoke positively about LIV Golf’s event in Australia earlier in the week and seems keen to see PGA Tour events reach further outside America.

Scheffler has so far been reluctant to play much outside of America apart from The Open Championship, but continued support from environments like Melbourne could help sway opinion over time.

Rory McIlroy explains why the Australian Open is already the fifth major

Last year, before his Masters win, McIlroy spoke about the need to make golf more global. He highlighted the Australian Open as an event with serious potential to fill that gap, pointing out the passion of fans and the overall enthusiasm for sport in Australia.

“The Australian Open, for example, should almost be the fifth major. The market down there is huge with potential,” he said at the time.

He added: “They love golf. They love sport. They have been starved of top-level golf. And the courses are so good.”

This year’s event gave him a chance to see if those comments still hold up. And by all accounts, he hasn’t been disappointed.

The crowd has certainly done its part. Now it’s up to more players from outside Australia to start taking notice and show up next year.