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

3 months ago 17

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Australian golf superstar Cameron Smith says he’s much happier that the Australian Open has returned to its original format, after being highly critical of event organisers last year when men and women played at the same time.

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.

Cameron Smith is much happier that the Australian Open has reverted to its original format.

“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 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 and said he believed the condition of the course had been made easier to accommodate the female players in the joint event.

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, who missed the cut last week at the PGA Championship at Royal Queensland, said he was frustrated with his form because he felt like he was close to unlocking something in his game.

The Australian said despite the heavy rainfall, he was confident the course would dry out soon, particularly with warm weather forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.