The mixed format of the Australian Open golf tournament has been scrapped, with the men’s and women’s competitions returning to separate tournaments from 2025.
The men’s and women’s Australian Open tournaments were held at the same time on two host courses. since 2022.
However, following heavy criticism from the world’s top players, the 2025 tournaments will return to their own separate championships.
“Following our annual review of events, which included discussions with key stakeholders, Golf Australia has made the decision to separate the men’s and women’s tournaments from the Australian Open,” read a statement released by Australian Golf Digest.
The move comes not a moment too soon for many Australian players, who had been highly critical of the direction the tournament was taking as a mixed event.
Former world number 51 Marcus Fraser told ABC Sport on Saturday that the decision to return to separate tournaments was the right decision.
“I think everyone is going to be over the moon,” Fraser told Summer Grandstand.
“It (changing the format) was probably something they had to try, but to do it with an Australian Open was ridiculous.
“Unfortunately, they butchered this event and they have a long way to go to get it back to where it should be.
“A lot of damage has been done to this tournament, it’s a bit of a laughing stock
“It’s frustrating that they’re using it as an experiment.”
In January, former Open champion Cameron Smith said he feared for the future of the tournament, saying top pros were missing out on it due to the format after criticize the state of the greenswhich, according to the pros, had been softened and slowed down.
“I don’t like the way it’s going,” Smith told Fox Sports.
“I think the biggest problem is the format and how it’s structured.
“I know we had bad weather and that’s what they were counting on, but that’s not how the Australian Open should be, especially in Melbourne.
“The course has to be firm and fast and the best player has to win. I don’t know if that was the case.”
Minjee Lee is one of the top players competing in 2024. (Getty Images: Andy Cheung)
Smith’s fellow LIV professional Matt Jones said he felt “the men’s Australian Open should be a standalone event”.
“I had a scheduling problem (so I didn’t play in 2024), but at the same time I’m not sure I would have played anyway because of the format.”
Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland defended the format after last year’s Australian Open, saying holding separate events for men and women was not commercially viable.
However, in the face of continued criticism, the change was made.
“We are proud of what has been achieved over the past three years with the Australian Mixed Open and All-Abilities Championship,” the Golf Australia statement said.
“With record crowds and broadcast audiences, there is reason to celebrate.
“Our long-term event strategy is to increase the visibility of our tournaments and showcase the game at the highest level.
“This move aligns with our strategy and will allow greater flexibility to better adapt to the ever-changing landscape of global golf.
“With all this in mind, we believe this is the right time and we are confident that both National Open Championships will stand on their own two feet and prosper in their own right.
“We look forward to continuing productive conversations with key partners and stakeholders around venue and other key aspects of the upcoming national openings.”
