World No. 1 Rory McIlroy confirmed he will defend his Australian Open title later this year in Sydney.

McIlroy came from a shot down with  one hole to play to defeat hometown favourite and reigning Masters champion Adam Scott by a shot at Royal Sydney and claim a first victory in 12 months since capturing the 2012 European Tour season-ending DP World Tour Championship.

And it was his victory along the shores of Sydney Harbour that McIlroy credited the form he has displayed the past few months in capturing the European Tour flagship BMW PGA Championship and  then the back-to-back Open  Championship and last week’s WGC- Bridgestone Invitational.

Rory McIlroy celebrating his 2013 Australian Open success with Mitchell Tweedie (left), caddy J P Fitzgerald and his manager, Sean O’Flaherty.

There was some doubt if McIlroy would return to Sydney, and where on New Year’s Eve he became engaged to Caroline Wozniacki, but following talks this week with Golf Australia and event organisers IMG McIlroy will tee-up at The Australian Club from November 27-30.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Sydney in November to defend my Australian Open title,” he said in a statement released by the tournament organisers.

“I had a terrific experience last year in front of great crowds. They really loved the showdown between myself and Adam. And it proved to be a really important win for me.

“I believe my return to form was given real momentum in Australia last year.”

There is no word yet on whether Australia’s Scott, now ranked two in the world, plans to return, although he has been a regular in the past.