Ryggs Johnston wins maiden title in second start on Tour

Ryggs Johnston started the day with a share of the lead and opened with an eagle at the par-5 first hole at Kingston Heath. He went on to fire five birdies and three bogeys to close with a 4-under 68 and win the ISPS HANDA Australian Open by three shots at 18-under.

This first DP World Tour title comes in Johnston’s second start on Tour after coming through Qualifying School and finishing T42 at last week’s BMW Australian PGA Championship.

“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,” said the American.

“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.”

“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.”

Australian Curtis Luck closed with a 68 to finish in solo second place at 15-under one shot ahead of compatriots Marc Leishman and Jasper Stubbs in third place who shot rounds of 69 and 70 respectively.

Lucas Herbert started the day with a share of the lead but made just two birdies and four bogeys to close with a 74 and a share of fifth place at 12-under alongside five players including fellow Australian and last week’s winner Elvis Smylie who carded a 72.

Related: Green fee inflation: How much is too much?

Are rising green fees making golf unaffordable? Costs have rapidly increased in the past decade, and it's likely to do more damage than good.

For the latest news in the golfing world, follow us on X.