Golf superstar says Australian Open ‘back on track’ after separating men and women

Australian superstar golfers Cameron Smith and Adam Scott have praised Golf Australia for changing the format of the Australian Open to separate male and female players, with Scott believing it will attract more international stars to the event in the future.

Smith, who last year lamented the softer condition of Kingston Heath because of a joint format with women, told reporters on Tuesday that he was consulted about separating the men’s and women’s events for this year.

“I definitely had a few conversations with Golf Australia and [CEO] James Sutherland in particular. I think there was a lot of back and forth through the last couple of years and I think everyone is pretty happy with the result,” he said.

“Everyone is talking about the Aussie Open again, which is what we wanted. We wanted it back at Royal Melbourne, and we wanted it to be an event where international stars come down and compete and make it the event that it once was, so I think we are on the right track.”

Smith was highly critical of the event at Kingston Heath 12 months ago, saying he believed the condition of the course was made easier to accommodate the female players in the joint event, while Scott didn’t play at all.

Since 2022, the men and women had played at the same time across two host courses.

“I don’t like the way it’s going,” Smith told Fox Sports at the time.

“I think the biggest issue is the format and how it’s structured.

“I know we had some bad weather and that’s what they were leaning on, but it’s not how the Aussie Open should be, particularly in Melbourne.

“It [the course] needs to be firm and fast and the best player needs to win. I’m not sure if that has been the case.”

Smith’s compatriot Hannah Green said at the time the course had been set up to be easier because women were playing alongside men.

“The pins were pretty generous today. They obviously did try to tuck some pins on perhaps the shorter holes and holes that are easier, but I do think if the men played at this course, the pins would be much more tucked,” she said.

“I think they want to make sure everyone gets play in, and they don’t want the scores to be too high ... I do like playing in championships where if you shoot one or two under that’s a really good score.”

On Tuesday, Scott heaped praise on Golf Australia for trialling the joint format, but said he believed the sport was better served having separate events.

“I think it probably is more appealing, certainly for international players, to come down to
play.

“Obviously, Rory [McIlroy] is on board and here and coming off the back of an incredible year, so that’s great timing for the event. I think coming to this venue is creating a lot of hype as well. I think inside Australia, but certainly outside Australia, it’s been a talking point on tour for most of the year. I think you’ll see there are some players who have obviously asked for invites and are coming down to play.

“So you have to give Golf Australia credit for doing what they can with the event and doing something different. But also I give them credit for pivoting and making this big move, making a huge effort to get one of the greatest players of this generation, if not the greatest down here. And hopefully this is a sign of things to come for the Aussie Open and living up to the history that it already has.”

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