Golf Australia has announced that the Australian Open will no longer feature a mixed-gender format, reversing a three-year experiment that had drawn significant criticism from top players.
End of the Dual-Gender Era
The mixed format was introduced in 2022 as a way to revive the local tour after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it was met with resistance from many professional golfers, who felt it diminished the prestige of both the men’s and women’s tournaments, which were previously standalone events.
After conducting an annual review and consulting with key stakeholders, Golf Australia confirmed on Saturday, February 8, 2025, that it would separate the men’s and women’s events moving forward.
"Golf Australia has made the decision to separate the Australian Open men's and women's tournaments," said James Sutherland, CEO of Golf Australia, in a statement.
"We are proud of what has been achieved over the past three years with mixed-gender Australian Opens, together with the All-Abilities Championship. With record crowds and broadcast audiences, there is a lot to be pleased about.
However, our long-term event strategy is to build the profile of our tournaments and showcase the game at the highest level. This move aligns with our strategy and will allow flexibility to better adapt to the ever-changing landscape in world golf."
Player Criticism Drove Change
The dual-format structure had been a point of contention among elite golfers. In the 2024 edition, several top players voiced concerns about course conditions, tournament setup, and the overall competitiveness of the event.
- Cameron Smith, a major tournament winner and one of Australia’s top male golfers, was particularly vocal, saying that the course setup was too watered down and that officials softened conditions unnecessarily.
- Hannah Green, a women’s major champion, also noted that the pin placements were too easy, suggesting the tournament was designed to ensure smooth play for all competitors rather than challenge the elite players.
- Adam Scott, Australia’s first Masters champion, skipped the 2024 tournament, reportedly due to concerns over the event’s structure and setup.
A Shift Back to Tradition
The Australian Open is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the Southern Hemisphere, traditionally played towards the end of the year. The move to separate the events signals a return to a more traditional approach, allowing the men’s and women’s tournaments to stand independently, as they did before 2022.
While Golf Australia has celebrated the increased attendance and viewership from the mixed format, they now prioritize enhancing player experience and tournament prestige.
What’s Next?
With the format change, Golf Australia will now focus on restructuring both events to maintain their status as elite competitions on the global golf calendar. The decision may also encourage top players, like Adam Scott, to return to the tournament.
As the Australian Open evolves, the hope is that this move will strengthen both the men’s and women’s competitions, ensuring that the tournament continues to be a highlight of the golfing calendar.
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