‘It was a catalyst’ – Rory McIlroy reveals career first that sparked domination as he outlines new goals

Dec 3, 2025 - 13:15

Rory McIlroy has credited his 2013 Australian Open with kickstarting a dominant year on the PGA Tour.

The world number two followed up his triumph at Royal Sydney by winning two majors the following year.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland holds the Stonehaven trophy after winning the Australian Open golf tournament played at the Royal Sydney course, in Sydney on December 1, 2013. — McIlroy believes his 2013 Australian Open triumph was the ‘catalyst’ for a dominant year

His victories at the Open and PGA Championship took his tally to four and left him on the brink of the career Grand Slam.

Having finally achieved that feat this year, McIlroy has now set out his new goals ahead of his return to the Australian Open this week.

Reflecting on his previous win 12 years ago, the Northern Irishman told reporters: “I think about that tournament a lot and about what it meant.

“I felt at that point in my career, I was at a bit of a crossroads.

“In 2013 I’d really struggled and I really do think that that win at the end of the year was a catalyst for what happened in 2014, which I’d say, up there with 2025, are the best two years of my career.”

On that occasion, McIlroy finished one shot clear of runner-up Adam Scott.

The duo have been paired together for the opening two rounds this week along with Scott’s fellow Australian Min Woo Lee.

They are set to begin their first round at 8.05pm UK time on Wednesday at Royal Melbourne.

Having won the Masters this year to complete the career Grand Slam, McIlroy has updated his goals for the rest of his golf career.

A win this week would be his fifth of the year and a second at the Australian Open.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland celebrates on the 18th hole after winning the Australian Open during day four of the 2013 Australian Open at Royal Sydney Golf Club on December 1, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. — McIlroy finished a shot clear of Scott to win at Royal Sydney before clinching two majors in 2014

McIlroy’s new goals

Discussing what his goals are now, McIlroy added: “Australia has been a very big part of my golfing journey going back to playing the Australian Open as an amateur back in 2005.

“I’ve talked about trying to win at some of the most important venues in golf and this week is one of them. You think about the people who have won at Royal Melbourne and how highly regarded it is.

“I was lucky enough to win at Pebble Beach this year for the first time and obviously at Augusta. I’d love to win at St Andrews one day.

“I’d love to win a US Open at Pebble Beach. There’s a few venues in our game that maybe mean more than some of the others.

“I want to win more majors. I want to be part of more Ryder Cup teams.

“I’d say my records on either tour, whether it be the DP World Tour or PGA Tour, are probably meaning a little less to me as time moves on.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland prepares for a shot prior to the Crown Australian Open 2025 at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club on December 03, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.

The Masters champion is eyeing his fifth event win of the year at Royal Melbourne[/caption]

“It’s really just focusing on the majors and being a part of that Ryder Cup team and trying to build on the legacy I’ve (built) over the last 15 years.”

This weekend will be McIlroy’s first tournament since the DP World Tour Championship three weeks ago.

He finished in second in Duabi after losing to fellow Ryder Cup hero Matt Fitzpatrick in a play-off.

A victory would have added to wins at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Players Championship and Irish Open already in 2025.