Record crowds expected as 2025 Australian Open returns to Royal Melbourne Golf Club

The 2025 Crown Australian Open tees off next week, with record crowds expected to descend on the world-renowned Royal Melbourne Golf Club following strong ticket sales. 

The Open returns to the Melbourne Sandbelt course for the first time since 1991, and this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the biggest ever, with general admission tickets for Saturday and Sunday already sold out for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Organisers expect this milestone to send the four‑day attendance well beyond 100,000 spectators, a significant leap from last year’s total of 77,000 at Kingston Heath, and potentially exceeding the pull of LIV Golf which this year attracted 102,000 fans in Adelaide.

While record demand has seen single-day general admission tickets for the weekend sold out, fans can still purchase four-day season passes and a limited number of premium Amex Ticket+ weekend passes (which include parking and access to a private bar). Thursday/Friday general admission and Practice day tickets are still available, but are selling fast.

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“We’re on track to have one of the best ticket sales in the event’s history this year,” said Antonia Beggs, Major Events Operations Manager at Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia.

Organisers attribute the surge in demand to both the calibre of the field and growing global interest in the Australian Open. Over 10,000 tickets have reportedly been snapped up by fans travelling from interstate and overseas.

Excitement is building for the event, with a star‑studded field, anchored by superstar Rory McIlroy, alongside top Australian talent including Cam Smith, Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert.

The build at Royal Melbourne is nearing completion, with multiple grandstands, viewing platforms, and six premium hospitality areas — including the Birdies Nest, Champions Club and Trophy Club — amongst the facilities.

2025 Crown Australian Open — Quick Facts

Dates: Thursday 4 – Sunday 7 December 2025
(practice days Mon–Tue, Pro‑Am Wednesday)

Venue: Royal Melbourne Golf Club – Composite Course
Cheltenham Road, Sandringham VIC 3191 - view map

Format / Field: 156 players; 72‑hole stroke play, cut after 36 holes (top 65 professionals + amateur + ties)

Prize Money: Minimum A$2,000,000

Tickets: Available online through Ticketek

Broadcast: Fox Sports on Kayo & Foxtel, and Channel 9 (Thu–Sun, 12pm–5pm AEDT)
View Sports Streaming Guide

Course Map: View the Course Map here

The Field — Big Names and Rising Stars

The 2025 field brings together an outstanding mix of established stars and rising talent. At the top: Rory McIlroy, one of golf’s biggest global draws and a career Grand Slam winner. Joining him are Adam Scott, Min Woo Lee and Cam Smith — Australian legends with deep Sandbelt roots.

International challengers are also set to shine. Recent DP World Tour standout Rasmus Neergaard‑Petersen, a newly minted PGA Tour cardholder, is among the outsiders to watch. Danish Amateur Championship winner Johan Skov Olesen, England’s Matthew Jordan, France’s Romain Langasque, former British Open contender Eddie Pepperell, Thai campaigner Kiradech Aphibarnrat and New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier add international depth and intrigue. Expect fireworks from this stacked lineup, particularly on Royal Melbourne’s demanding Composite Course.

Planning Your Visit

Parking: Spectator parking is available at Sandy Golf Links (access via Tulip Street only). No on-site parking at the course. Parking costs run from $10 (pre-purchased online) to $20 (day-pass).

Shuttle Bus: Free shuttle between Cheltenham Station (Frankston Line) and the course will run Wednesday to Sunday.

Public Transport / Rideshare / Coach: Drop-off zones on Reserve Road; dedicated coach drop-off available (no coach parking onsite).

Gates Open: 9:00 am (Tuesday); 6:30 am (Wed–Sun)

With weekend tickets already sold out, a stacked international field, and the tournament’s return to Royal Melbourne for the first time since 1991, the 2025 Crown Australian Open is set to be a landmark moment in Australian golf. Secure your tickets now.