The ISPS Handa Australian Open, held at the prestigious Kingston Heath Golf Course in Melbourne, delivered an unforgettable display of golf excellence. At just 24 years old, Montana native Ryggs Johnston clinched his maiden DP World Tour victory, outshining the local Aussie favourites and leaving golf fans in awe.

Johnston Dominates in Melbourne

With consistent rounds under par, Johnston finished at an impressive 18-under-par, securing a three-shot victory on Sunday. His remarkable performance began with a sensational opening round of eight birdies, catapulting him into contention early. Throughout the tournament, he maintained his position in the top five, demonstrating poise and precision on a challenging course.

The final round saw Johnston overtake local favourites Lucas Herbert and Curtis Luck. While Herbert dropped two crucial shots, Luck briefly seized the lead but faltered with bogeys on the final two holes. This allowed Johnston to surge ahead and claim his first professional trophy.

The Challengers

Despite an impressive 8-under-par third round, defending champion Joaquin Niemann couldn't replicate his form on the final day, finishing tied for fifth. Australian contenders Curtis Luck, Marc Leishman, and Jasper Stubbs also delivered commendable performances, finishing in second and tied-third positions, respectively.

A Victory Against the Odds

Johnston's triumph is even more remarkable considering his lack of preparation due to travel fatigue and limited practice rounds. “To be honest, probably not,” Johnston admitted when asked if he anticipated the win. “I turned up pretty tired already from all the travel and everything. I didn’t get a practice round here with the weather, so I didn’t really have any expectations, which probably helped me in the end.”

A Career-Defining Moment

This milestone victory is Johnston’s first in any four-round tournament since high school, a testament to his perseverance and talent. The win propelled him up the Official World Golf Rankings, leaping from position 954 to 316. Johnston also secured his DP World Tour card for the upcoming 2025 Race to Dubai season, a significant achievement that will offer him more opportunities to compete at the highest level.

“It feels great, just knowing there are more playing opportunities and getting into bigger events,” Johnston shared. “It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but it’s an amazing feeling.”

Looking Ahead

With his newfound momentum, Ryggs Johnston is set to be a name to watch in the upcoming golf season. The ISPS Handa Australian Open not only showcased his immense potential but also reinforced Kingston Heath Golf Course's reputation as a stage for world-class golf.

Golf fans and enthusiasts can look forward to seeing this rising star compete on the global stage, as the DP World Tour promises another thrilling year of top-tier golf.