The Australian Open golf tournament will separate its men’s and women’s competitions starting in 2025, reverting back to individual events after three years as a combined tournament. Golf Australia has confirmed the men’s tournament will maintain its traditional late-November or early December schedule, while the women’s event will return to March in 2026.
This decision follows criticism from players, including former World No. 1 Cameron Smith, regarding the mixed format. Smith notably highlighted concerns about the course conditions during last year’s tournament, accusing organisers of preparing the course to favour the women’s competition after it played slower and softer than expected.
Since 2022, the tournaments were held concurrently due to worries about the feasibility of a standalone women’s event post-pandemic. Players from both categories competed on the same course but from different tees, necessitating the use of neighbouring courses during the early rounds.
Former golfer Marcus Fraser labelled the mixed-gender format as unsuccessful, expressing hope that this separation will aid in restoring the tournament’s prestige. Golf Australia’s CEO James Sutherland expressed confidence in the future success of the independent events, noting the achievements of the combined tournaments and revealing plans for the 2025 event to remain in the Victorian sandbelt, although the location has yet to be disclosed.