What’s fascinating about that answer is the implication that a good golf course can bring out good golf. Smith’s alternative - bland golf courses - bring less memorable golf shots. For a creative type like Smith, his best chance to contend is when everybody has to play off-schedule.

Not everyone has been a fan of Rory McIlroy at Royal Melbourne this week. Certainly not American Charlie Hoffman, who stepped up his comeback from injury with a rare appearance at the Australian Open (Hoffman missed the cut with 73-73).

Ernie Els holds the course record at Royal Melbourne. Needless to say, the story behind the 60 he shot there in 2004 is incredible

Host of this week's Australian Open, the legendary course in the Melbourne Sandbelt is one of the world's best with a storied history for a reason. Here's why.

During the second round of the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, Rory McIlroy’s ball came to rest under a tree. It left him with one option: just punch it out of there. Not only was he unsuccessful, my man missed the ball completely. And not just by an inch or two, it looks like he missed it by a foot.

Rory McIlroy’s assessment of one of the most famous golf courses in the world caused a stir, before he quickly tried to repair the damage.

European pair Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Daniel Rodrigues took advantage of gentle conditions on Friday at Royal Melbourne to storm to the Australian Open lead.

In a career first for the 45-year-old Aussie, Adam Scott will play the Australian Open for the first time on the country's most renowned course, Royal Melbourne