A massive bonus pod today, Nick O'Hern & Mark Allen chat one on one, okay two on one, with Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland.

In a wide-ranging conversation we cover all the big issues:

• Why it has taken so long to announce the venue, format and dates of the 2024 Australian Open.
• The rationale behind Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club as the venues.
• Is the mixed format - mens, women's and all abilities - the way forward, and are the imperfections of it acceptable given the benefits.
• Is he open to separating the events in the right circumstances.
• Why the Victoria government has invested in golf, and hosting this tournament in Melbourne.
• If November is the best date for the Open, or if it is the only date that works.
• IF LIV Adelaide been good for golf in Australia.
• Will Golf Australia be offering appearance fees to players like Rory to get them here for the Open.
• Elevation of the Australian events.
• Will the Open be in Melbourne ongoing, or will he consider other states.
• His view on whether the PIF, PGA, DPWT welcome together and how that might look.

It's a ripping bonus podcast from the guy at the top of the tree in Australian golf. Tickets for the Australian Open 2024 are available from Ticketek or AusOpenGolf.com.au.

A big thanks to our Talk Birdie partners:

• PING, they'll help you play your best, you can see your local golf shop or professional for a PING club fitting;
• the new watchMynumbers app, the most powerful data based golf app in the world, download from the App Store ;
• and the Golf Clearance Outlet, great prices on the best gear. See them in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or Perth, or online here.

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