Ryggs Johnston storms to Australian Open title

Libby’s Ryggs Johnston stormed on to the international golf scene this weekend as he won his second DP World Tour start, capturing the Australian Open in impressive fashion.

The 24-year-old carded a closing 68 at Kingston Heath to finish 18 under par while taking home the Stonehaven Cup.

That secured a three-shot victory over home favorite Curtis Luck and completed a remarkable rise for the Montana native, who came through Qualifying School and finished tied 42nd on his DP World Tour debut last week.

Asked whether he thought a win was on the cards this week, Johnston – who started the week 953rd in the Official World Golf Ranking – said: “To be honest probably not.

“I turned up pretty tired from all the travel and Q-School and everything. Didn't get a practice round here with the weather. I didn't really have any expectations, which probably helped me in the end.

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

Johnston is the 11th American winner of the Open, which began in 1904. He joins golf legends Jack Nicklaus (1978, 1975-76, 1971, 1968, 1964), Jordan Spieth (2014, 2016), Arnold Palmer (1966), Brad Faxon (1993), Tom Watson (1984), John Morse (1990), Mark Calcavecchia (1988), Bill Rogers (1981), J.C. Snead (1973), Gene Sarazen (1936).

The tournament was not played from 1914 to 1919, due to World War I, 1940 to 1945 due to World War II and from 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The support from Libby has been immense.

“I've got a lot of messages from friends back home saying the whole town is watching,” he added. “It's just really cool to have that kind of support and the sort of thing you don't see much other than small towns like I'm from.”

“Arizona State prepared me for this kind of moment. The team around me, the coaches have helped. The coach was one of the reasons I decided to play Q-School for this tour but everyone around me, my family and friends, girlfriend, my girlfriend's dad caddied for me this week just helping out, they've been all so supportive and I'm just so lucky.”

Johnston began the day in a share of the lead with Lucas Herbert but quickly took control of proceedings with an eagle from the fringe at the opening hole.

Luck, who started the day three back, fired his second to three feet at the sixth as he raced to the turn in 33.

Johnston birdied the third but had three bogeys, as well as another gain from 15 feet at the eighth, as he recorded an outward 35.

Luck's birdie at the tenth meant he joined Herbert and Johnston on 15 under as the final group turned for home.

Herbert's challenge faded with three bogeys on the way in but Johnston seized the initiative again with a wedge to six feet to set up a birdie at the tenth.

Luck responded with a 30-foot birdie at the 13th to join Johnston on 16 under and a gain on the 14th briefly gave him the outright lead.

However, Johnston made a birdie of his own at the 14th and Luck paid for wayward tee shots at the last two holes with bogeys.

Johnston made a spectacular birdie from 30 feet on the 15th and avoided trouble over the closing holes.

Luck's 68 gave him one of three Open Championship places, with Johnston and Marc Leishman also securing spots at Royal Portrush.

Johnson earned about $242,000 with the win. Along with Luck and Leishman, he secured a spot in the 2025 Open Championship July 13-20 at Royal Portrush in Antrim, Northern Ireland.