1 hour ago
1
World No.2 golfer Rory McIlroy’s Australian summer just got even busier, with the six-time major champion adding another trophy opportunity to his trip down under.
With McIlroy already confirmed to contest the Australian Open at Kingston Heath in December, this masthead can reveal the superstar from Northern Ireland has also committed to play Victoria’s Cathedral Invitational, adding to what shapes as another highly publicised visit to Australia.
The Cathedral Invitational, staged at the ultra-exclusive Cathedral Lodge and Golf Club about two hours north-east of Melbourne, has built a reputation as one of Australian golf’s most sought-after golf events.
Cathedral was founded by former Essendon Football Club chairman David Evans and designed by his friend Greg Norman.
While the tournament does not carry world ranking points or official tour status, it has become renowned for attracting a mix of leading professionals, business figures and sporting identities.
Cathedral Gold Club was contacted for comment.
Adam Scott, who has endured one of Australia’s greatest international sporting careers, won his second Invitational at the event last year and will return to defend his title alongside McIlroy.
Last year’s event was run over two days, with one day just for members and the other open to other spectators which attracted thousands last year.
Cathedral has built a reputation as one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the southern hemisphere; where membership can only be granted after someone is invited to apply.
McIlroy’s commitment is another significant coup for organisers, who have long harboured ambitions of bringing him to the event.
Two sources with knowledge of the negotiations, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the prestige of Cathedral had appealed to McIlroy.
In December last year, Evans told this masthead that discussions had taken place with McIlroy’s management.
“I think Adam Scott, who is obviously a very big supporter of our club and our event, has mentioned it to him,” Evans said last year.
“Cathedral is very young, we are only eight years old, so it’s starting to get international notoriety now. I think the tournament will start to get on people’s radars. I’m hoping that’s the case.
“We’d like it to be something that international players, as well as some of Australia’s best players, want to come and play.”
Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, won last year’s tournament after claiming a victory in 2023 as well.
The move means Australian golf fans will have multiple opportunities to watch the reigning Masters champion during his visit to Australia, with McIlroy remaining in Victoria after the Australian Open rather than immediately returning overseas.
His commitment also continues a revival of the Australian Open, which has aggressively targeted the world’s biggest names since securing McIlroy on a landmark two-year agreement.
McIlroy first committed to play the 2025 and 2026 Australian Opens as part of a push to restore the national championship’s place on the global golf calendar.
Landing McIlroy for the Cathedral Invitational is expected to generate significant attention beyond the Australian Open itself and further enhance Victoria’s reputation as Australia’s premier destination for championship golf.
Golf Australia announced in May that Victoria would also host the Open next year at Peninsula-Kingswood Country Golf Club near Frankston. The 2028 event will be played at the newly developed North Adelaide Golf Club, but it will return to Melbourne’s sand belt in 2029 and 2030.
Further detail about the field and format for the Cathedral Invitational are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
