Golf Australia has admitted it is not locked in to continuing to play the men’s and women’s Australian Open tournaments together.

It comes after players expressed concerns about this year’s event at Kingston Heath.

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland defended his governing body, after suggestions it doesn’t listen to player concerns about the timing and format of the event.

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Sutherland declared that while the men competing had no problem with the timing of the event, it was the format that left them concerned.

“Any suggestions that we sit idly in our offices and make decisions about these events without talking to players and their representatives is just categorically untrue,” Sutherland said.

“We understand the focus on the future of the Australian Open as all three championships (men’s, women’s and all abilities) mean so much to so many, so we will continue to consult with key stakeholders to ensure the success of the event moving forward.”

Sutherland said Golf Australia, while well aware of the stars’ views, was balancing many issues, including that the women’s tournament had struggled for financial viability as a standalone event.

Additionally, the top women’s players had concerns with the date and timing, but appreciated the extra exposure the tournament with the men provided them, Sutherland indicated.

The CEO also revealed that he has spoken to players to gain their views.

“We’ve spent time with players this week and their representatives this week, and we will continue to do that. Some of them know more than others where we are at with all of that,” he said.

As for a solution, Sutherland admitted that separating the men and women would not be viable, considering sponsor and other stakeholder input.

“The simple solution would be to separate and let’s go back to great events like that, but it’s not quite that easy, because there are a lot of very, very important stakeholders who bring this event together and make it economically viable, financially sustainable and also sustainable in terms of getting the outcomes we want,” he said.

He also understood players’ frustrations considering their long and demanding schedules.

“The players are the star of the show, and they are incredibly important to us and the way that they support our event at the end of a very, very long season is incredible,” Sutherland said.

Australian golfer Cameron Smith played a straight bat when quizzed on the combined competition.

“I don’t know,” he said.

“I have asked that question and I haven’t got any answers from the higher-uppers, so it is probably unfair for me to answer for them. It’s a long week out here. I’ll just say that.”