Rory McIlroy mania hits Melbourne as fans skip school and work on ‘special day’

The Irish man’s appeal was clear at the Australian Open with queues forming at the crack of dawn to catch a glimpse of the golf star.

Rory McIlroy plays an approach shot on the 12th Hole during the first round of the Australian Open. Pic: AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Organisers didn’t have to wait long to feel the full impact of Rory McIlroy’s appearance at the Australian Open on Thursday. 

Two thousand fans were waiting outside at Royal Melbourne at 6.30am, eager to get to the 10th tee for the Northern Irishman’s first swing at Australia’s premier tournament in a decade.