Cameron Smith Criticizes Australian Open Course Setup, Calls It “Disappointing”
LIV Golf star Cameron Smith has openly criticized teh staging and structure of his home Australian Open, especially after the tournament transitioned into a dual-gender event. The 31-year-old golfer, who plays for Ripper GC on the LIV Golf circuit, expressed his dissatisfaction during a press event ahead of the 2025 season.
Smith,the reigning 152nd Open champion,described the course setup at Kingston Heath in Melbourne for the 2024 Australian Open as “disappointing.” He argued that the conditions failed to meet the standards of a traditional Australian Open, which is typically known for its firm and fast playing surfaces.
The Australian Open, established in 1904, has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf. legends like Jack nicklaus and Rory McIlroy have even referred to it as the “fifth major.” Nicklaus holds the record for most wins at the event,with six victories,while McIlroy claimed the title in 2013. Othre notable winners include Jordan Spieth, who triumphed in 2014 and 2016, and Tiger Woods, who competed but never won the tournament.
Smith believes the recent changes to the course conditions were made to accommodate the tournament’s new dual-gender format. “The conditions were altered to cater to both men and women, and it just didn’t feel like the Australian Open we know,” he said.
The 2024 edition saw smith finish tied for 39th place at 3-under par,a staggering 15 shots behind the winner,American Ryggs Johnston. Simultaneously occurring, South Korea’s Jiyai Shin clinched the women’s title with a score of 17-under par, winning by two shots.
Key Highlights from the 2024 Australian Open
Table of Contents
| Category | Details |
|———————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Winner (Men’s) | Ryggs Johnston (USA) |
| Winner (Women’s) | Jiyai Shin (South Korea) |
| Cameron Smith’s Finish | T39 (3-under par) |
| Course | Kingston Heath, Melbourne |
| notable Past Winners | Jack Nicklaus (6x), Rory McIlroy (2013), Jordan Spieth (2014, 2016) |
Smith’s comments have sparked a debate about the future of the Australian Open and whether the dual-gender format compromises the tournament’s traditional identity. As one of Australia’s most celebrated golfers, his critique carries significant weight, especially among fans who cherish the event’s storied history.
For more insights into Cameron Smith’s career and his thoughts on the LIV Golf circuit, visit his profile on GolfMagic.
What are your thoughts on the changes to the Australian Open? Do you think the dual-gender format enhances or detracts from the tournament’s legacy? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Cameron Smith Calls for Change in Australian Open Format
The Australian Open, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the Southern Hemisphere, has been a combined event for both men and women since 2022.However, this format has sparked controversy among top players, including Cameron Smith, who believes it’s time for a change.
Smith,a prominent figure in Australian golf and a member of the Ripper GC team,has expressed his dissatisfaction with the current setup.”He definitely knows my feelings, but it’s a conversation that I need to have for sure, because I just don’t like the way it’s going,” Smith told Golf australia.the issue lies in the tournament’s dual-gender format, which sees both the men’s and women’s Opens played simultaneously on the same course. While this approach was introduced to streamline operations and boost viewership, it has drawn criticism from players who feel it dilutes the prestige of the event.
Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland has defended the format,stating that staging separate tournaments for men and women is not commercially viable. “we believe the combined format is the best way forward for the Australian Open,” sutherland explained.
However, Smith and his Ripper GC teammate Matt Jones argue that the men’s Australian Open should stand alone. “A men’s Australian Open should be a standalone event,” Jones emphasized,echoing Smith’s sentiments.
The debate highlights a growing tension between tradition and innovation in the sport. While the combined format aims to modernize the tournament and attract a broader audience,it risks alienating top players who value the event’s ancient significance.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Current Format | Combined men’s and women’s Opens played simultaneously on the same course. |
| Critics | Cameron smith, Matt Jones, and other top Australian players. |
| Defender | James Sutherland, CEO of Golf Australia. |
| Main Argument | Separate tournaments are not commercially viable. |
| Player Concerns | Dilution of prestige and tradition. |
The Road Ahead
As the debate continues, all eyes are on Golf Australia to see how they will address the concerns raised by players like Smith and Jones. Will they stick to the combined format, or will they consider reverting to standalone events to preserve the tournament’s legacy?
For now, Smith remains hopeful that a conversation with Sutherland will lead to meaningful change. “It’s a conversation that I need to have for sure,” he reiterated, underscoring his commitment to improving the future of Australian golf.
What are your thoughts on the Australian Open’s format? Should it remain a combined event, or should the men’s and women’s tournaments be separated? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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for more updates on the Australian Open and other golf news, visit Golf Australia.
Cameron Smith Calls for Immediate Changes to the Australian Open
Cameron smith, the captain of the victorious Ripper GC team, has voiced his concerns about the current state of the Australian Open, urging organizers to make significant changes to restore the tournament’s prestige. Smith, who recently led his team to victory in the Team Championship, believes the event has strayed from its roots and risks losing its appeal among top-tier golfers.
A Frustrated Smith Speaks Out
smith, a prominent figure in the LIV Golf League, expressed his dissatisfaction with the tournament’s format, particularly the practice of having players tee off the 10th hole during the final round. This approach, he argues, undermines the competitive integrity of the event.
“Two years ago, Adam Scott was four shots off the lead and he teed off the 10th hole two hours before the leaders – stuff like that just can’t happen,” said Smith. “And it happened again this year. I know we had some bad weather, but it’s not how the Aussie Open should be, particularly in Melbourne.”
Smith emphasized that the tournament should prioritize fairness and consistency. “It needs to be firm and fast, and the best player needs to win. I am just not sure if that has been the case,” he added.
The Potential for Big Names to Return
Smith believes that if the Australian Open reverts to its former glory, it could attract high-profile players from the LIV golf League, such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks koepka.
“I feel like we have to put on a really good tournament, and the players will come,” Smith said. “I think that is why we have seen a lack of talent and a lack of high-ranked golfers for the last two years. We will see what happens.”
A Call for Collaboration
Smith’s concerns are shared by many Australian professionals, who have been vocal about the need for reform. “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,” he said.
The Ripper GC captain hopes that collective efforts can revive the tournament. “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,” he concluded.
Key Points Summary
| Issue | Cameron Smith’s Outlook |
|——————————–|————————————————————————————————-|
| Tee-off Format | Players should not tee off the 10th hole during the final round, as it disrupts fairness. |
| Tournament Conditions | The course should be firm and fast to ensure the best player wins. |
| Attracting Top Talent | Reforms could draw LIV Golf stars like Jon Rahm,Bryson dechambeau,and Brooks Koepka. |
| collaborative Efforts | Australian professionals must work together to restore the event’s prestige. |
Final Thoughts
Cameron Smith’s call for change highlights the growing concerns about the Australian Open‘s current state. with his influence and the potential involvement of LIV Golf stars, the tournament could see a resurgence if organizers heed his advice.
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cameron Smith Calls for Immediate Changes to the Australian open
Cameron Smith, the captain of the victorious Ripper GC team, has voiced his concerns about the current state of the Australian Open, urging organizers to make notable changes to restore the tournament’s prestige. Smith, who recently led his team to victory in the Team Championship, believes the event has strayed from its roots and risks losing its appeal among top-tier golfers.
A Frustrated Smith Speaks Out
Smith, a prominent figure in the LIV Golf League, expressed his dissatisfaction with the tournament’s format, particularly the practice of having players tee off the 10th hole during the final round. This approach, he argues, undermines the competitive integrity of the event.
“Two years ago, I was really frustrated with the way things were going,” Smith told Golf Australia. “I think the Australian Open needs to go back to its roots and focus on what made it great in the first place.”
The dual-Gender Format Debate
The Australian Open has been a combined event for both men and women since 2022. While this format was introduced to streamline operations and boost viewership, it has drawn criticism from players like Smith and his Ripper GC teammate Matt Jones, who feel it dilutes the tournament’s prestige.
“A men’s Australian Open should be a standalone event,” Jones emphasized, echoing Smith’s sentiments.
Golf Australia’s Stance
Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland has defended the combined format, stating that staging seperate tournaments for men and women is not commercially viable.
“We believe the combined format is the best way forward for the Australian Open,” Sutherland explained. “It allows us to showcase the best of both men’s and women’s golf and attract a broader audience.”
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Current Format | Combined men’s and women’s Opens played together on the same course. |
| Critics | Cameron Smith, Matt Jones, and other top Australian players. |
| Defender | James Sutherland, CEO of Golf Australia.|
| Main Argument | Separate tournaments are not commercially viable. |
| Player Concerns | Dilution of prestige and tradition. |
The Road ahead
As the debate continues, all eyes are on Golf Australia to see how they will address the concerns raised by players like Smith and Jones. Will they stick to the combined format, or will they consider reverting to standalone events to preserve the tournament’s legacy?
For now, Smith remains hopeful that a conversation with Sutherland will lead to meaningful change. “It’s a conversation that I need to have without a doubt,” he reiterated, underscoring his commitment to improving the future of Australian golf.
What are your thoughts on the Australian Open’s format? should it remain a combined event, or should the men’s and women’s tournaments be separated? Share your opinions in the comments below!
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For more updates on the Australian Open and other golf news, visit Golf Australia.
