Rory grouped with Ogilvy, Appleby

Sydney - No 1-ranked Rory McIlroy has been grouped with Geoff Ogilvy and Stuart Appleby for the opening rounds of his Australian Open title defence this week and will be among the early starters at The Australian Golf Club.

Adam Scott has been grouped with American Jordan Spieth and Australian Masters champion Nick Cullen in an afternoon group, teeing off just before Boo Weekley, Steve Bowditch and Brendon de Jonge.

The 25-year-old McIlroy won the title at Royal Sydney last year by a stroke over Scott, with a birdie on the 18th hole, and credited the victory with helping him regain his form.

McIlroy won the British Open and the PGA Championship this year to re-establish himself as the best player in golf.