Libby's Ryggs Johnston shines on the international golf stage this weekend, winning his second DP World Tour start and capping Australia in impressive fashion Open champion.
The 24-year-old shot a final 68 at Kingston Heath to win the Stonehaven Cup at 18 under.
That secured him a three-stroke victory over local favorite Curtis Luck and marked a significant improvement for the Montana native, who made it through qualifying school and made his debut last week. Finished tied for 42nd on the DP World Tour.
Asked if he thought a win was possible this week, Johnston, who starts the week ranked No. 953 in the Official World Golf Ranking, said: “Probably not, to be honest.
“I got really tired from all the traveling and Q-school and stuff like that. Didn't practice here because of the weather. I didn't really have any expectations, which probably ended up helping me.
“It feels great, knowing there are more opportunities to compete and compete in bigger events. It's not all sinking in yet, but it's a great feeling.”
Johnston is the 11th winner of the U.S. Open, which has been held since 1904. He joins golf legends Jack Nicklaus (1978, 1975-76, 1971, 1968, 1964), Jordan Spieth (2014, 2016), Arnold Palmer (1966 Year), Brad Faxon (1993), Tom Watson (1984), John Morse (1990), Mark Calcavecchia (1988), Bill Rogers (1981), JC Snead (1973), Gene Saracen (1936).
The event was not held from 1914 to 1919 due to World War I, from 1940 to 1945 due to World War II, and from 2020 to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Libby's support has been tremendous.
“I got a lot of messages from friends back home saying the whole town was paying attention,” he added. “It’s really cool to have that kind of support, and it’s something you don’t see very often outside of the small town I’m from.”
“ASU prepared me for moments like this. The team around me, the coaches helped me. Coaches were one of the reasons I decided to go on this tour, but everyone around me, my family “My friends, my girlfriend, my girlfriend's dad all caddied for me this week and just helped out and they were all so supportive and I was just so lucky.”
Johnston avoided trouble on the final holes with a nice birdie from 30 feet on No. 15.
Johnson earned $191,855 for the victory. He has also qualified for the 2025 (British) Open at Royal Portrush in Antrim, Northern Ireland, from July 13-20.
