Ryggs Johnston won the Australian Open title (Image: Getty)
In an eventful victory, Ryggs Johnston clinched his first DP World Tour title at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open in a commanding performance. The 24-year-old American triumphed with a final round of 68 at Kingston Heath Golf Club, finishing three strokes ahead of Australia’s own Curtis Luck.
Johnston, who remarkably only emerged through Qualifying School last month and tied for 42nd place in his first tour start, expressed surprise at his win, commenting, “To be honest probably not.”
The astonishing success gives the Lethal Weapon namesake – he was named after Mel Gibson’s character from the film series – immediate elevation in the world of golf, as he remarked on the no-pressure approach that might have contributed to his winning edge: “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.”
With excitement still brewing, Johnston reflected on the future opportunities that come with his win: “It feels great, just knowing that (it brings) more playing opportunities and getting into bigger events. It hasn’t quite sunk in yet but it’s an amazing feeling.”
Starting the day neck and neck with Lucas Herbert, Johnston aced the first hole, and even though he faltered momentarily with bogeys on the front nine, his precise shot to the 10th and long-distance birdie at the 15th sealed his success.
Johnston, along with Luck and Marc Leishman, secured their spots in the much-coveted Open Championship set to unfold next year at Royal Portrush.