Ryggs Johnston, in just his second start on the DP World Tour, won by three shots to claim the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Open. He also punched his ticket to the 2025 Open Championship.
Johnston tied for 42nd in his DPWT debut last week, this after having to navigate Q school on the European circuit.
“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,” he said. “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 from the small town of Libby, Montana, which has about 3,000 residents.
“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.”
He later played at Arizona State, where he helped the Sun Devils win the 2024 Pac-12 title.
“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 was tied after 54 holes with LIV Golf’s Lucas Herbert but Johnston made eagle from the fringe on the first hole. He then birdied the third but also posted three bogeys on his front nine. Johnston later birdied the 14th and 15th holes en route to a final-round 68.
Curtis Luck shot a 68 to finish at 15 under, three shots back. Marc Leishman tied for third with Jasper Stubbs at 14 under.
Johnson, Luck and Leishman secured the three Open Championship spots that were up for grabs. Leishman’s higher OWGR ranking was the tie-breaker for the third Open spot over Stubbs.
The 2025 Open will be at Royal Portrush.
The Australian Open tournaments feature alternating tee times on two golf courses – Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club – for the first two days, with Kingston Heath hosting the final round. For the second straight year, the prize money was the same for the men and the women.
Jiyai Shin won the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Women’s Open on Sunday.
