LIV Golf’s Cam Smith criticizes Australian Open, demands a format change

LIV Golf player Cam Smith has come out strongly against the Australian Open. The 31-year-old has warned that the tournament could be "lost" if the format is not changed.

Smith has criticized the current format of the tournament, in which both men's and women's event is held on the same course. In the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Open too, Smith had criticized the course for being "too soft" to suit the nature of the event.

Smith again voiced his criticism on Thursday in Florida. He said because of the current format, the tournament was missing the high-ranking players. He said (via News Australia):

"I feel like we have to put on a really good tournament and the players will come. I think that’s why we’ve seen a lack of high-ranking players the last few 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."

Cam Smith further reminded that Australian player Adam Scott teed off from the 10th hole despite being four shots off the lead. He said that instances like it should not happen.

Calling out the biggest issue, he said:

"I think the biggest issue is the format and how it’s structured."

He further criticized the course and said:

"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 has not won the Australian Open since turning professional in 2013. At the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Open, a part of the 2024-25 DP World Tour season, the LIV Golfer had expressed that the tournament was one of the two most significant titles he aspired to win, aside from the Masters.

After starting strong in the first round, Cam Smith was tied for fourth with 6-under. However, after a disastrous second round, he finished the event tied for 39th on the leaderboard.

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Matt Jones supports Cam Smith's view demanding a change to the Australian Open

Cam Smith's Ripper GC teammate Matt Jones has also backed the former's stance on the Australian Open. Jones has won the tournament twice in 2015 and 2019. Since then, the tournament has been played thrice and both men's and women's event have been held together.

Jones said (via News Australia):

"I'm the same lines as Cam, I did have a scheduling issue, but at the same time I’m not sure I would have come down and played it either way because of the format. A men’s Australian Open should be a stand-alone event."

In 2015, Jones won by one stroke over Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth whereas in 2019, he won by one stroke over Louis Oosthuizen.