Everything you need to know about last week's Crown Australian Open.
Neergaard-Petersen claims maiden win
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen saved his best until last as he fought off the challenge of Major Champion Cam Smith to claim his maiden DP World Tour title at Royal Melbourne.
Neergaard-Petersen began the final day with a two-shot lead but was tied with home favourite Smith as the pair made their way down the 18th.
After missing the green, the Dane faced an uphill battle to save par but he rose to the challenge, getting up and down courtesy of a nerveless ten-foot putt to pile the pressure on Smith's par putt.
And with Smith unable to find the cup, Neergaard-Petersen celebrated a one-shot victory.
The 26-year-old finished the week on 15 under par after signing for a closing 70 which contained four birdies and three bogeys.
Smith was alone in second on 14 under, one ahead of South Korea's Si Woo Kim in third.
"I'm really at a loss for words," said Neergaard-Petersen.
"It's been a battle all day. From the outside, sometimes you can look calm but there was a storm inside all day today.
"But I managed to just keep battling and then to get it up and down from there to make that putt on the last - I don't really know what to say, to be honest."
Major spots secured
Neergaard-Petersen's victory not only handed him a first win but also secured his debut at the Masters Tournament in April.
As part of a new initiative for 2026 invitees, the winners of some of the world's most prestigious national opens will now be heading down Magnolia Lane.
"It means the world," said Neergaard-Petersen. "The Masters is the event I've grown up watching so many times, just dreaming of playing it.
"Getting to do that is awesome. It's gone by so fast. I don't feel like it's been two-and-a-half years since I've been out of college. I haven't even been a pro for that long.
"To get the win here at my final event of the year was the only thing missing from a perfect year. I'm so happy."
There were also three spots available at The Open to the three highest finishers not already exempt and they went to Si Woo Kim, Michael Hollick and Adam Scott.
McIlroy hails 'absolutely incredible' crowds
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 ten 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."
Ace for Hollick
It was a brilliant week for Hollick who not only secured himself a Major debut but also made a hole-in-one.
The South African needed just one blow on the seventh hole on the opening day, finding the bottom of the cup with a pitching wedge from 139 yards.
