Cameron Smith fears event ‘could be lost’ without urgent change

Cameron Smith believes the future of the Australian Open is under jeopardy unless its mixed-gender format receives urgent attention.

The 120-year-old event announced in 2022 that it would play the men’s and women’s Opens on the same course at the same time.

Smith, 31, heavily criticised the format in December and has now doubled down on his fears that the event ‘could be lost’ as a result.

Speaking to the press ahead of the upcoming LIV season, the Aussie issued a new plea to save the tournament.

“I feel like we have to put on a really good tournament and the players will come,” he said. “I think that is why we have seen a lack of talent and a lack of high-ranked golfers for the last two years.

“I know I am not the only one who feels this way and it has definitely been the talk of the town with the Australian professionals.

“Hopefully we can work as a team and really sort this event out because it would be a shame to see the Australian Open be lost.”

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While one suggestion is to move the event to February – to coincide with LIV Adelaide – Smith once again pointed to the format.

“I can’t see why it wouldn’t be possible,” Smith said, “[but] I don’t think a schedule change is really the biggest issue there at the moment.

“Two years ago, Adam Scott was four shots off the lead, and he teed off the 10th hole two hours before the leaders – stuff like that just can’t happen.

“And it happened again this year, I know we had some bad weather, but it’s not how the Aussie Open should be, particularly in Melbourne.

“It needs to be firm and fast, and the best player needs to win, and I am just not sure if that has been the case.”

The 2024 men’s event was won by American Ryggs Johnston, who was ranked world No. 954 heading into the week.

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But the contest was partly marred by weather conditions and set-up at Kingston Heath that some players said were catered to female players.

Meanwhile, Smith’s Ripper GC teammate Matt Jones, a two-time Australian Open champ, confirmed the dual-gender format was one of the reasons he didn’t play in 2024.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland explained that the move was to prevent the women’s Open losing millions of dollars when played as a standalone event.

Smith hasn’t spoken to Sutherland but added that his concerns are no mystery.

“I think he definitely knows my feelings, but it’s a conversation that I need to have for sure because I don’t like the way it’s going,” he said.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.