Australian golfers will be able to tune in to watch the greats tee off this week, as the 9Network and 9Now will be broadcasting the Crown Australian Open for free.
Golfing superstar and 2025 Masters champion Rory McIlroy will step onto Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the championship tournament this week, and it’s all live and free from Thursday, December 4 on the 9Network and 9Now.
Some of Australia’s best men’s golfers will be participating to take their shot at McIlroy, the current world No. 2 player. Joining McIlroy on the greens will be Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman and New Zealander Ryan Fox — all hell bent not only on stealing the limelight and the Stonehaven Cup, but also to pocket the $2 million in prize money that’s up for grabs.
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The amateur invites include a similarly strong lineup of up-and-coming players. Brisbane’s Harry Takis leads the rankings after his standout 2025 season, alongside record-breaking Thai player Fifa Laopakdee, NSW-born underdog Jye Halls and the 2025 Japan Amateur Championship winner Kaito Sato.
Fans who make it to Melbourne in time will reportedly be able to enjoy the largest fan activation in the history of the Australian Open. As for fans who can’t make it to Melbourne to watch in person — you’ll be able to stream every round anywhere, anytime with 9Now.
McIlroy will be a part of the morning group, teeing off the live coverage on broadcast channel 9GemHD on Thursday, before the feed will switch to Channel 9HD on Friday, then the remainder of the tournament through to Sunday afternoon.
In the commentary team for Nine’s Wide World of Sports is Ali Whitaker, Brenton Speed, Anthony Hudson and former pro’s Nick O’Hern, Ewan Porter and Paul Gow. 9News reporter Nat Yoannidis will join the coverage to capture the energy of the event in person, with Today on course across the tournament.