Cameron Smith wants golf’s Australian Open to stay in Victoria in 2025

Australian golf star Cam Smith hopes Victoria’s famous sandbelt golf courses will host the Australian Open tournament again this year, but the state government has made no commitment to host the event in 2025.

Two of the past three dual-format national titles have been played at Kingston Heath and Victoria golf courses, but other sandbelt courses such as Royal Melbourne, Huntingdale, Metropolitan or Peninsula-Kingswood country golf clubs could also host the tournament.

Cameron Smith at last year’s Australian Open Credit: Getty Images

The Victorian government has exclusive negotiating rights this year to host the tournament. Last week, the government announced it would be hosting America’s NFL for a game at the MCG in 2026, and Victoria plays host to number of annual international sporting events, including the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the first tennis grand slam of the year, the Australian Open.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas told the ABC recently that he would be open to discussions to host the golf tournament, which was held in NSW from 2005-19 and in 2023.

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