"It’s not quite that easy"- Golf Australia CEO on changing Australian Open format amid criticism from Cameron Smith, Hannah Green

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland responded to recent criticism of the Australian Open format from top Aussie golfers including Cameron Smith and Hannah Green. The Australian Open is a mixed event played at Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne.

The current format of the tournament is under fire from top golfers including Cam Smith and Hannah Green, who have expressed concerns with the course set-up and scheduling.

In response to the criticism, Golf Australia CEO said he was aware of the concerns, but returning to a separate Open wasn't financially easy. Alluding to comments made by Cameron Smith and Hannah Green, Sutherland said (via Reuters):

"It’s no secret that some of our leading men’s players don’t like the format, but they like the date. And on the flip side, some of our leading female players don’t like the date but like the format," Sutherland revealed while talking to reporters at Kingston Heath. "And so the simple answer to that is to separate the two events at different times… but it’s not quite that easy."

Claiming that the scheduling didn't allow much time for female golfers to get in practice rounds ahead of the tournament, Hannah Green also brushed up on the pin placement of the field, saying (via Reuters):

"I do think if the men played at this course, the pins would be much more tucked," she said.

Before the tournament began, Cameron Smith was critical of the course and also addressed questions on his thoughts about the dual-gendered format.

"It’s a question I have asked consecutively about course set-up, and we have had some conversations with it, and it was the same again this year, so I am not sure on the reason," Smith said.

---

Cameron Smith comments on whether he will return to the 2024 Australian Open

Cameron Smith competed in the Queensland PGA and NSW Open on the Murray River and then the Australian PGA in Brisbane. He finished in the top three in all these events before moving to the Australian Open.

Cameron Smith at the ISPS Handa Australian Open 2024 - Day Three - Source: Getty

The Australian golfer said he hopes to return to at least two tournaments but isn't sure as Smith is expected to be a parent in late March and is based in the US. The 31-year-old golfer said his participation will depend on how parenthood is treating him and his wife.

"I would love to; I think I’ve got to take that as it comes, as everyone knows now we’re expecting. I think that’s going to have a big thing to do with it, which was really part of the reason why I wanted to do it this year," Smith said (via PGA Australia).

Continuing further, Smith said he would love to be in Australia for at least two or more events again but isn't sure which two events it will be.

Meanwhile, Cameron Smith finished T39 in the 2024 Australian Open as he carded -1 on the final day and remained -3 for the event.