In a thrilling turn of events at the 2025 Australian Open, Rory McIlroy and Cameron Smith are captivating audiences with their remarkable performances. McIlroy, despite a challenging start, managed to secure a birdie on the par-five 17th for the second consecutive day, showcasing his resilience and skill. Meanwhile, Smith has surged into a tie for the lead with a strong start in Round 3, sharing the top spot with five other players at -10.
McIlroy’s journey has been anything but straightforward. On Friday, he found himself in a similar predicament as he did on Thursday, with his drive landing behind a cluster of trees. Demonstrating his adept maneuvering, McIlroy successfully navigated around the obstacles, landing his ball just off the green and securing a birdie. He concluded the day with a score of -5 for the tournament, five shots off the lead. “I’m probably going to be a little too far behind to challenge, but hopefully I can finish my week on a high,” McIlroy shared with Fox Sports’ Paul Gow.
Smith’s Redemption and Buchanan’s Rise
Cameron Smith, after missing the cut at the Australia PGA Championship in Brisbane, is making a significant comeback. Currently tied for the lead, Smith is -3 for the day and -10 for the tournament. His resurgence is a testament to his determination and skill, particularly after a string of disappointing performances in world ranking events.
Adding to the excitement is Jack Buchanan, the World No. 740, who has made a remarkable leap into contention. Buchanan’s seven-under 64 on Saturday at Royal Melbourne has catapulted him into the spotlight. Starting Round 4 at seven under par, Buchanan is just a few shots off the lead. His journey has been a whirlwind, having recently secured a spot on the 2026 DP World Tour.
“I holed a 20-footer downhill and as soon as that went in I was like, yeah, I’m on today,” Buchanan told foxsports.com.au.
Buchanan’s confidence is palpable as he eyes the Stonehaven Cup on Sunday. “I think the way they set the course up today is pretty tough on some pins you need to manage your ball well,” he added, highlighting the challenges ahead.
Unexpected Obstacles and High Stakes
Not all has been smooth sailing for McIlroy, who encountered an unusual obstacle on the 2nd hole—a banana peel. His drive landed on the peel, which had been tossed into a tea tree. Although golfers are permitted to move loose impediments, McIlroy opted to play the ball as it lay, resulting in a double bogey.
Smith, on the other hand, is focused on redemption. After a bogey-free, six-under par 65 on Friday, he is determined to win the Stonehaven Cup. “I’m not here to make the cut. I’m here to win,” Smith declared, reflecting his competitive spirit and resolve to overcome past setbacks.
Looking Ahead: The Final Rounds
The Australian Open continues to draw impressive crowds, with tickets sold out for the weekend. Rory mania is in full swing, with fans eager to witness the drama unfold. McIlroy, grouped with Finland’s Tapio Pulkkanen and England’s James Morrison, is set for a memorable day. The broadcast of the third round begins on Fox Sports and Kayo at 11 am AEDT.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes are on the Australian trio of Smith, Adam Scott, and Min Woo Lee, who are all within striking distance of the lead. Lee will play in the final group alongside overnight leaders Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Daniel Rodrigues, while Smith and Scott are in the preceding group with Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz.
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The unfolding drama at the Australian Open is a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf, where skill, resilience, and sometimes a bit of luck, play crucial roles. As the final rounds approach, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce, promising an exciting conclusion to the tournament.
