Rory McIlroy gave tournament organisers, weekend ticket holders and Australian golf fans a mighty scare on Friday afternoon, but they need not have feared.

Rory McIlroy says he will need to putt better if he’s to win the Australian Open for a second time after an opening round of one-over 72 at Royal Melbourne on Thursday.

Bob Hawke’s famous words after Australia II won the America’s Cup must have rung around Melbourne last night because there could not have been many people working on Thursday morning.

Rory McIlroy leads a star-studded marquee group in his return to Australian shores after an 11-year absence, seeking to win his second Australian Open. Follow live below!

Australian Open week kicked off on Monday with a 30-second piece of art to send shivers down every golf fan’s spine.