Reigning Australian Open champion Rory McIlroy has returned to Australia without his golf clubs and in this occasion accompanying his girlfriend, Caroline.

The Danish tennis ace is competing in the Brisbane International and the first two tournaments ‘Down Under’ ahead of next month’s Australian Open in Melbourne.

Rory McIlroy heads to Australia with three books and not his 14 golf clubs. (Photo – Rory McIlroy)

And unlike the fuss created by her arrival in the Queensland capital a year ago, Wozniacki was not sporting any engagement ring.

As well, McIlroy arrived without his 14 golf clubs and instead packed three books to read during the long fight to Brisbane.

He also Tweeted:  At the start of my journey to Australia today… Looking forward to reading these 3 books on my travels! #longhaul pic.twitter.com/CVT0Qzhe98

McIlroy had been in Sydney earlier this month where he came from behind with a birdie at the last hole to defeat overwhelming hometown favourite Adam Scott to capture the Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

Wozniacki did not travel to Sydney but instead caught up with her beau a week later at the Tiger Woods hosted World Challenge.

McIlroy will spend New Year’s Eve in Brisbane and is expected to then head to Dubai for practice at The Els Club ahead of his first event of 2014 – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship commencing on January 16th at the Emirates Club.

Caroline Wozniacki creates interest in Brisbane a year arriving with what appeared to be an engagement ring.