American Ryggs Johnston has defied jetlag and wild weather to clinch the Australian Open title by three shots at Melbourne’s Kingston Heath Golf Course on Sunday evening.
Johnston’s world ranking of 953rd is set to plummet after the 24-year-old topped the field with a final score of –18.
Local hopes Curtis Luck (-15), Marc Leishman (-14) and Jasper Stubbs (-14) rounded out the podium.
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Ryggs Johnston poses with the Stonehaven Cup after victory on day four of the Australian Open 2024. Darrian Traynor via Getty Images
With the result, the top three finishers earn a place at July’s The Open at Royal Portrush.
Having attended the University of Arizona, Johnston only made his DP World Tour debut at the Australian PGA Championship last week.
With his first professional win, Johnston will return to Montana with over $295,000 in prizemoney.
Fellow Aussie Lucas Herbert started the final round tied for the lead with Johnston at -14 before crashing out on the back nine to slump to share equal fifth on -12.
Herbert recorded back-to-back lip outs for consecutive bogeys at 13 and 14 as well as a bogey at 18 for a round of 74.
Johnson had Luck, Leishman, Stubbs and Harrison Crowe in hot pursuit for much of the final round but kept his composure to go -4 on the tournament’s final day.
Luck appeared the most likely to leapfrog Johnston but finished with bogeys at the final two holes to quash his chances.
Ryggs Johnston tees off on the second hole on day four of the Australian Open 2024. Darrian Traynor via Getty Images
The rookie’s stellar performance was headlined by a huge birdie putt at the par 3 15th and an eagle at the par 5 first. He was then unflappable on the back nine with three birdies as his rivals stumbled and fell.
Defending champion Joaquin Niemann also tumbled down the leaderboard after surging into contention with an -8 round on Saturday.
Fellow Aussies Cameron Smith and Min Woo Lee entered the clubhouse early on Sunday after both fell off the pace. The pair finished the tournament with scores of -3 and -5 respectively.
Earlier, former women’s world No.1 Jiyai Shin hit an incredible shot from the crowd on her way to securing her second Australian Open crown.
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2024-12-01 01:40:54
