The Australian Open golf tournament is undergoing a significant change starting in 2025, as the men’s and women’s competitions will no longer be played together in a mixed format. This decision comes after heavy criticism from top players, prompting Golf Australia to revert to separate tournaments for each gender.
The mixed format, which began in 2022 with both the men’s and women’s tournaments held simultaneously at two host courses, has faced backlash from players and fans alike. The move to return to separate championships was announced in a statement printed by Australian Golf Digest following an annual event review and discussions with key stakeholders.
Former world number 51 Marcus Fraser expressed his support for the decision to split the tournaments, calling it the correct move. He stated in an interview with ABC Sport that the experiment of combining the men’s and women’s events had ultimately damaged the Australian Open’s reputation and turned it into a “laughing stock.” Fraser’s sentiments were echoed by other players who felt that the tournament had lost its essence and needed to be restored to its former glory.
Criticism of the mixed format also came from former Open champion Cameron Smith, who raised concerns about the state of the greens and the overall structure of the event. Smith, along with fellow LIV pro Matt Jones, emphasized the importance of the men’s Australian Open being a standalone event, hinting at scheduling conflicts and dissatisfaction with the current format.
Golf Australia’s chief executive, James Sutherland, initially defended the mixed-gender format, citing commercial viability and the success of the past three years. However, as discontent continued to grow among players and fans, the decision was made to separate the tournaments to better align with the organization’s long-term event strategy and adapt to the evolving landscape of world golf.
In a statement, Golf Australia expressed confidence in the decision to split the Australian Open tournaments, believing that both championships will thrive independently. The organization looks forward to working closely with partners and stakeholders to ensure the continued success of the national opens, focusing on building the profile of the tournaments and showcasing the game at the highest level.
Ultimately, the change in format for the Australian Open golf tournaments represents a significant shift in response to player criticism and the need to uphold the integrity and competitiveness of the event. By returning to separate men’s and women’s championships, Golf Australia aims to reinvigorate the prestige and appeal of the Australian Open, setting the stage for future success and growth in the world of golf.