Rory McIlroy hails 'absolutely incredible' crowds at Crown Australian Open

Rory McIlroy called the Crown Australian Open crowds "absolutely incredible" as he looked forward to returning next year.

The Masters Champion received vocal backing from the bumper crowds as he closed the tournament with a final round of 69 which featured back-to-back birdies on the 17th and 18th for the third day in a row.

And afterwards the Northern Irishman was full of praise for both Royal Melbourne Golf Club and the Australian crowds.

McIlroy said: "It’s been absolutely amazing.

"I’ve been excited to come back down here for a while.

"Obviously it’s been over 10 years since I played in the Australian Open and I guess just look the scenes out there this week, the crowds, the golf course, they were absolutely incredible.

"I said at the start of the week this is a golf tournament that’s got so much potential and I think it showed a little bit of that potential this week.

"It’s been an amazing week and I can’t thank everyone in Australia enough for the hospitality and the reception and can’t wait to come back next year."

World Number Two McIlroy has enjoyed a remarkable year, achieving the career Grand Slam with a memorable Masters win, tasting victory at the Amgen Irish Open and playing a key role in Europe's historic away Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black.

He is excited by the prospect of having a well-earned rest over the Christmas period, adding: "I’m looking forward to a little break.

"I’ve played a pretty heavy schedule post the summer with the Irish Open, Wentworth, Ryder Cup, and then I’ve sort of been globe-trotting a little bit here the last couple of months.

"I’m excited to have a little bit of down time and finally reflect on everything, maybe watch a few of the tournaments back.

"I’ve not really let myself do that too much. So yeah, looking forward to the Christmas break and put the feet up, a few glasses of wine and think back about what an unbelievable year."