No Laying Up - Golf Podcast 1098: Royal Melbourne love at the Australian Open
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Dec 8, 2025 This week, the hosts dive into the drama at Royal Melbourne as Cam Smith's final-hole blunder hands victory to Rasmus Neergaard-Peterson. They discuss the course's unique features and why it's a top contender for a hypothetical fifth major. The conversation shifts to the contrasting fields of the Australian Open and Hero World Challenge, plus Rory McIlroy's differing opinions on course quality. As they wrap up, they touch on Justin Thomas's comments about green speeds and the implications for PGA leadership.
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Royal Melbourne Revives Pro Golf
- The Crown Australian Open at Royal Melbourne restored faith in what pro golf can be by delivering dramatic, high-stakes golf and electric crowds.
- Tron Carter and Chris Solly argue this canvas of wind, contours, and decision-making made it feel like a fourth global major.
Width Creates Strategic Depth
- Royal Melbourne's width and varied angles create a unique, consequential test where tee placement dictates approach strategy.
- Solly argues that the course's play options and risk-reward make it arguably the best Sand Belt course for tournament golf.
Make A Rotating Fifth Major
- Rotate a global 'fifth major' to showcase top courses worldwide rather than adding another U.S.-centric major.
- Solly advises a rota that keeps Royal Melbourne on the cycle to force top players to travel and compete internationally.