# Australian Open 2025

> The Australian Open returned to Royal Melbourne with record crowds and the ‘Rory factor’ in play. I spent the week inside the ropes, re-learning the craft of tournament photography on some very familiar ground.

Written & Photographed by William Watt.
Published on contours.golf 12 December 2025, updated 14 December 2025.
Where: Royal Melbourne, Black Rock, Australia (-37.9731, 145.0308).
Tags: Elite Golf, Tournament Golf.
Cover photograph: Spectators in caps and sun hats crowd a scrubby bank at Royal Melbourne, watching the play.
The page, with its photographs: https://contours.golf/journal/australian-open-golf-2025/

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Collecting a media pass always carries a small thrill, but walking into Royal Melbourne on Monday morning felt different. This wasn’t just another tournament — it was the Australian Open returning to a course I’ve photographed countless times, a place whose contours I know intimately. And yet, transformed into a championship venue with grandstands rising beside greens and hospitality tents dotting the landscape, it felt almost unfamiliar. The bones were the same, but the body had changed.

The Rory effect was palpable before a ball had been struck. Paired with Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee, the feature group had generated a buzz that translated into record ticket sales and a sense that this week might matter. Not just for the trophy, but for tournament golf in Australia.

Thursday began in darkness. I left Brunswick East at 5am chasing first light and that 7:05 tee time on the 10th. By sunrise I was wandering the practice green, watching the quiet theatre of course preparation — bunker rakes carving fresh lines, greenkeepers rolling surfaces they weren’t permitted to mow. Richard Forsyth, per the word on the ground, wasn’t thrilled about that restriction.

Photograph: A violet, stormy sky in the half-light over white marquees, a tall boom lift and netting poles.

Photograph: Low sun through the trees behind four flags, the Australian and Aboriginal among them, shadows across the green.

Photograph: A greenkeeper walks a mower along a bunker’s lip, another at work behind in golden light.

I caught Adam Scott and Cameron Smith on the putting green as the light came up, then followed the gathering crowd out to the 10th. Five thousand people at seven in the morning. For golf. In Melbourne. That alone told you something had shifted.

It was around this point I realised I’d forgotten to collect my inside-the-ropes armband. A small oversight that could have defined my week very differently. I retreated to the media centre, secured the band, and returned to the course with considerably better access to the action.

Tournament photography is not my usual mode. I’m more accustomed to waiting for light, composing shots of architecture and landscape, letting moments unfold slowly. This was different — rapid-fire settings, electronic shutters, hunting for split seconds. The last tournament I’d shot properly was the Presidents Cup in 2019, and camera technology had moved on considerably. Once I dialed in the settings, I found a rhythm to it, and a different kind of satisfaction in chasing decisive moments, rapid fire exposures and interesting angles.

### Final Australian Open Preparations at Royal Melbourne on Thursday Morning

Photograph: A golfer in an orange cap, black shirt and white trousers putts on the practice green at sunrise.

Photograph: A golfer in a white cap and navy jumper crosses the practice green, putter in hand.

Photograph: Silhouetted against the low sun, a golfer crouches to set a putting aid on the practice green.

Photograph: A white-sand bunker with a ragged grassy lip, the fairway rolling back to tall trees.

Photograph: Golden rough and a sandy path before a green and bunkers, a dark stand of tall trees behind.

Photograph: A greenkeeper pushes a walk-behind mower across a green above a bunker, the sun low behind.

Photograph: Greenkeepers on a green in early light, white hospitality marquees and a peaked tent behind.

Photograph: Ground staff rake a broad sandy bunker around a tuft of grass, a utility vehicle on the ridge.

Photograph: A deep bunker curling along a green’s edge, a camera tower and trees on the skyline.

Photograph: Two ground staff drive a red utility vehicle along a sandy track, marquees and flags behind.

Photograph: Ground staff rake a long bunker below the clubhouse, white umbrellas spread across its lawn.

Photograph: Players and caddies on a roped practice green in hazy low sun, long shadows across a path.

Photograph: Shadows stretch across a rolling fairway and a thin white bunker, a scoreboard against the trees.

Photograph: Spectators flank a green as a group walks up, a camera tower above the bunkers behind.

I quickly re-learned the tournament photography approach by watching the experienced photographers work. Stuart Kerr was generous with quiet guidance, helping me stay out of everyone’s way while the pack moved around the course. There’s an etiquette to it, an unwritten choreography, and I was grateful to draft off those who knew the steps.

Thursday and Friday were about finding my feet, following groups, experimenting with angles and timing. I had deliverables for BMW — Shift Magazine work that required specific shots at the 16th where their hole-in-one car sat gleaming — and kept an eye on Elvis Smylie, one of their ambassadors and a compelling subject regardless of commercial obligations.

By Sunday, the focus changed. Early rounds reward patience and wandering; finals day demands you pick your story. I followed Rory for a few holes — he may never play another Open at Royal Melbourne, and I wanted the images — but eventually the leaderboard dictated movement. You watch where the photographer pack drifts, listen for the cheers rippling across the course, and try to position yourself for the moments that will define the tournament. Hearing a roar from a neighboring hole is a sinking feeling, one that got away, but you can’t be everywhere at once.

> Hearing a roar from a neighboring hole is a sinking feeling, one that got away, but you can't be everywhere at once.

Photograph: A dense crowd presses close, phones raised, players and caddies with their bags beyond.

### Tournament Play

Photograph: A golfer in a pale blue shirt walks a sandy path through long grass, caddies following.

Photograph: A golfer in a blue jumper watches his tee shot as spectators behind lift their phones.

Photograph: Two golfers in white caps walk together, one checking a yardage book, spectators behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a white cap and blue jumper reads his yardage book beside a grassy bank.

Photograph: A standard bearer holds up the group’s board, reading Scott, Lee and McIlroy, before a wall of spectators.

Photograph: A golfer in a white shirt and grey trousers holds his follow-through, the gallery close behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a navy jumper and sunglasses follows through from a bunker, police and spectators behind.

Photograph: A golfer putts on a green ringed by bunkers, a deep crowd banked along the trees behind.

Photograph: A golfer in white watches his putt roll towards the flag, the crowd packed above a bunker.

Photograph: A dense crowd streams along a path past a coffee banner under gum trees.

Photograph: A dense crowd presses close, phones raised, players and caddies with their bags beyond.

Photograph: Crowds ring a green and its sweeping bunker, players on the putting surface, flags flying beyond.

Photograph: A golfer in a red cap and navy shirt confers with his caddie on a broad fairway.

Photograph: A long-haired golfer in a red cap walks past a bunker with his caddie, spectators at the rope.

Photograph: Two golfers in white caps wait at a green’s edge, leaning on their putters.

Photograph: A golfer in a white shirt watches his putt roll across the green, scrubby bunkers behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a navy top, one leg kicked back, reaches down for his ball on the green.

Photograph: Seen from behind, a golfer in a navy shirt swings through a drive down a tree-lined fairway.

Photograph: A golfer and his caddie walk up a wide fairway towards a distant stand, crowds along the ropes.

Photograph: A golfer in grey at the top of his backswing on a tee, a grandstand and gallery beyond.

Photograph: Close on a golfer in a blue jumper and sunglasses at the top of his swing.

Photograph: A golfer in a navy jumper follows his tee shot, the clubhouse and hospitality marquees ahead.

Photograph: Two golfers and their caddies walk up the fairway towards a green banked with spectators and flags.

Photograph: A golfer in a navy jumper at the top of his backswing, a full grandstand behind the green.

Photograph: A golfer in white strikes an iron from the fairway, divot flying, a big screen beyond the green.

Photograph: A golfer in light blue at the top of his swing, a packed grandstand behind the green.

Photograph: A golfer in light blue strikes from the fairway, turf flying, a packed grandstand beyond.

Photograph: A golfer in a blue jumper leans on his putter, the crowd and the clubhouse balcony behind.

Photograph: A golfer in grey watches his drive from beside the tee sign, phones raised in the crowd.

Photograph: A golfer in navy walks up a wide fairway to a green ringed by crowds and a stand.

Photograph: A golfer in a white cap and shirt walks a sandy path through trees, iron in hand.

Photograph: Spectators crowd a grassy slope above a green and bunker under a grey sky.

Photograph: A golfer in grey walks off a tee beside his caddie, the gallery lining the fairway.

Photograph: A golfer in grey at the top of his backswing on a tee, spectators lining the fairway.

Photograph: A golfer in grey follows through on a drive, the gallery lining the fairway ahead.

Photograph: A golfer in navy at the top of his backswing on a tee, crowds lining the fairway.

Photograph: A golfer in navy swings through, the ball just leaving the tee, the gallery along the ropes.

Photograph: A golfer in grey and his caddie walk along the rope line past a row of spectators.

Photograph: A golfer and his caddie stand over the ball in the fairway, crowds banked around the green ahead.

Photograph: A golfer in white plays from the fairway, crowds packed along the rope and around the green.

Photograph: A golfer in a navy jumper strokes a putt, a hillside of spectators behind.

Photograph: A golfer in white lines up a putt before a steep bank of seated spectators.

Photograph: A golfer in grey addresses a putt in front of a packed, seated gallery.

Photograph: A golfer in grey watches his putt run, the seated gallery on the bank behind.

Photograph: Players and caddies walk a sandy path through scrub towards a grandstand under a grey sky.

Photograph: A golfer in white watches his shot from a steep-faced bunker, spectators with phones on the bank above.

Photograph: A golfer in a white shirt splashes out of a greenside bunker, sand spraying, the crowd behind.

Photograph: A golfer lifts a hand as he walks up between bunkers, a full grandstand behind the green.

Photograph: A golfer in a mint shirt blasts from a bunker in a spray of sand, the crowd above.

Photograph: A golfer in a mint shirt watches his putt on a green ringed by a deep crowd.

Photograph: Spectators in caps and sun hats crowd a scrubby bank, watching the play.

Photograph: Two spectators picnic on a blanket in the shade, a tree’s drooping boughs around them.

Photograph: A couple stand in waist-high bracken, checking a phone, other spectators beyond.

Photograph: A golfer in a bucket hat and green shirt waits hands on hips, framed by blurred spectators.

Photograph: Two golfers walk across a fairway past scrubby bunkers, spectators following on the path above.

Photograph: A golfer in a pale blue shirt and navy cap plays an approach towards a bunkered green.

Photograph: A golfer in a pale blue shirt strikes his approach, turf flying, the crowd banked round the green.

Photograph: A golfer in a cream shirt follows through, divots in the air, a huge crowd around the green.

Photograph: A golfer in navy and white at the top of his backswing, a massed crowd ahead.

Photograph: A golfer in a pale blue shirt putts, a spectator perched in a tree behind the crowd.

Photograph: A golfer in a dark shirt putts, a spectator perched up a gum tree behind the gallery.

Photograph: A golfer crouches with his caddie to read a putt as another player and caddie look on.

Photograph: A golfer in a white cap and sage shirt walks across the green, his caddie beside him.

Photograph: A hillside packed with seated spectators under a blue sky and white cloud, the green’s edge below.

Photograph: Players and caddies cross a broad fairway between two long lines of spectators.

Photograph: A golfer in black putts before a deep crowd, a spectator perched in a gum tree above.

Photograph: A golfer in a black shirt and white trousers stands with his putter, a deep crowd behind.

Photograph: A golfer in sage green strikes a tee shot, turf flying, phones raised in the crowd behind.

Photograph: A golfer in black nears the top of his backswing, a Quiet Please paddle raised behind.

Photograph: A golfer in light blue follows through on a tee, turf spraying, a Quiet Please paddle raised behind.

Photograph: A packed grandstand behind a deep bunker, a red and white flag held up in the crowd.

Photograph: A golfer in pale blue points down the line, seen over a bunker’s lip against blue sky.

Photograph: Two golfers on a green beyond a bunker’s sandy face, one hand on hip, under towering white cloud.

Photograph: A golfer in a pale blue shirt looks down at the green, seen across a bunker’s sandy face.

Photograph: Boys in matching navy bucket hats and polo shirts watch from the rope line.

Photograph: Two golfers stand on a green as a third crouches to read a putt, the crowd beyond.

Photograph: A golfer in a black shirt and cap settles over a putt, spectators lining the green behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a sage shirt walks the green’s edge, seen low over a bunker, the crowd behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a mint shirt watches his putt near the flag, a caddie in the foreground.

Photograph: A paved path crosses mown lawns under a tall gum, cars parked on a street beyond.

Photograph: A golfer in a pink shirt holds a high finish on a tee, caddies and spectators behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a pink shirt splashes the ball out of a steep-faced bunker, sand flying.

Photograph: A hillside packed with seated spectators under a sky of white cloud, the green’s edge below.

Photograph: Two golfers and their caddies walk down a fairway towards distant crowds and gum trees.

Photograph: A golfer in a pale blue jumper crouches behind his ball, lining up a putt.

Photograph: A golfer in a pale blue jumper raises a hand as he walks across the green.

Photograph: A golfer in a pale blue jumper walks through the crowd as fans reach out for high fives.

Photograph: Spectators press against the rope along a fairway, many holding up phones.

Photograph: A golfer in navy blasts out of a broad bunker, sand plume and ball in the air.

Photograph: A golfer in navy holds his finish in the fairway, a camera tower and crowds beyond.

Photograph: A golfer in navy tips his head back on the green, putter in hand, the crowd watching.

Photograph: A woman in a green dress and white cap flashes a peace sign from the crowd.

Photograph: Spectators stand talking among the tangled grey branches of the scrub.

Photograph: Spectators line a fairway that runs between bunkers to a distant green, framed by foliage.

Photograph: A golfer in navy plays out of a broad bunker, sand flaring, his caddie and camera crews beyond.

Photograph: A golfer and caddie walk down a sunlit fairway towards a bunkered green and crowds.

Photograph: A golfer drives from a tee before a packed rope line, a marshal raising an orange paddle.

Photograph: A golfer in grey and navy watches his approach from the fairway, divot flying, bunkers ahead.

Photograph: A golfer putts on a green below the clubhouse, a deep bunker in the foreground.

Photograph: A golfer in a navy cap and mirrored sunglasses gazes upward, close, against blurred trees.

Photograph: A golfer flings out a gloved hand watching his shot, his caddie beside him in the rough.

Photograph: Two golfers wait hands on hips, one in blue, one in a red cap and red shirt.

Photograph: A rope line of spectators, some crouching, under a blue sky dotted with cloud.

Photograph: A golfer in navy plays from a deep greenside bunker, the ball in the air, the crowd beyond.

Photograph: A long-haired golfer in a red shirt and cap watches from the green, the gallery packed behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a dark shirt holds his finish on a tee beside a BMW sign.

Photograph: A long-haired golfer in a red cap and red shirt looks back over his shoulder, a grandstand behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a dark patterned shirt and white cap stoops, club in hand, the crowd blurred behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a red shirt flings up a hand at the finish of his drive, trees beyond.

Photograph: A golfer in a dark shirt holds his finish on a tee, a model tram as tee marker.

Photograph: Spectators stand in a long line at the edge of a fairway, their shadows stretching across the grass.

Photograph: A huge crowd packs a rise under a clear blue sky, many in caps and hats.

Photograph: A golfer in a dark shirt strikes an iron from the fairway, turf flying, a hospitality stand beyond.

Photograph: A dense crowd packs the ground before white marquees and the clubhouse roof, some arms raised.

Photograph: Crowds throng a tee and spill along the fairway towards a packed grandstand under hazy sun.

Photograph: A dense crowd watches intently from behind the rope, a flag and a caddie’s bib in the foreground.

Photograph: A golfer in a red shirt reaches down on the green, one leg kicked back, phones raised behind.

Photograph: A golfer in a red shirt waits beside his caddie at the foot of a flag-topped grandstand.

Photograph: A golfer in a red shirt at the top of his backswing, grandstands and a big screen ahead.

Photograph: A golfer in a dark shirt chips from a grass-tufted bunker towards the green, the crowd beyond.

Photograph: A golfer in a blue shirt blasts out of a greenside bunker below the grandstands and big screen.

Photograph: A golfer bends double on the green, cap in hand, before a tall tournament sign and the crowd.

Photograph: A golfer in a red shirt crouches over a putt, the big screen behind showing him close up.

Photograph: A golfer in a red shirt lifts his cap and holds his head, the crowd behind.

Photograph: Crowds throng a tee and spill down the fairway towards a packed grandstand, hazy sun overhead.

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