American rookie Ryggs Johnston won the ISPS Handa Australian Open by three strokes in his second start on the DP World Tour.
Heading into the final round at Kingston Heath Golf Club, the Australian shared first place with LIV golfer Lucas Herbert, with Johnston shooting a 68 to finish low. Leading Curtis Luck at 18.
The victory in Melbourne capped off a remarkable few weeks for Johnston, who passed DP World Tour Qualifying School on November 13 and finished tied for 42nd at the Australian PGA Championship the following week. Professional debut on the European Tour.
The 24-year-old's preparations for the tournament were far from ideal, though, as inclement weather on Tuesday and Wednesday meant Johnston's first trip to Kingston Heath (in conjunction with Victoria Golf Club three of four rounds) heading into competitive play Thursday.
Still, he shot a 65 to set himself up for the tournament and followed up with three straight 68s in the round.
13th November: Playing the final round at Q School for a DPWT card 💪 27th November: Practice round at Kingston Heath canceled due to bad weather, going into the match having never played the course 🫣December 1: Won the ISPS HANDA Australian Open shot by three strokes… pic.twitter.com/wdQ5SZNcepDecember 1, 2024
Asked if he thought victory might be a realistic possibility given everything that had happened, Johnston admitted he had few expectations before Sunday.
“Probably not, to be honest,” he said. “I was pretty 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's quest for victory began in perfect fashion, with an eagle on the first hole and a birdie on the third. However, three bogeys and another birdie before the turn left him with just one birdie and level with Herbert against a flurry of luck on the charge. After Luck birdied the 10th hole, the three players were tied for the lead at 15 under.
However, the Ripper GC men's title was evaporated by three bogeys on the back nine, with Lucky in the lead continuing to provide Johnston with the most legitimate challenge.
Full list of Australian Open US winners pic.twitter.com/dLb4DVM0rcDecember 1, 2024
At about the same time as Johnston, Luck had a couple of birdies midway through the back nine and took the lead for a short time. However, a victory on the 14th hole and two excellent birdies on the 15th gave the Americans a commanding lead again, while Lucky's two bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes secured the Johnston was able to enjoy his victory as he headed to the finish line.
The former Arizona State Sun Devil became the 11th American to win the Stonehaven Cup, joining such iconic figures as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson.
Johnston's first career success also came at the perfect time, beating Royal Portrush in the 2025 Open Qualifiers to secure one of three Open Championship berths.
(L-R) Curtis Luck, Ryggs Johnston and Marc Leishman have qualified for the 2025 British Open
(Image source: Getty Images)
Australian players Luck and Marc Leishman also got a chance to start a major in the first event of the new DP World Tour season.
The LIV golfer finished tied for third with compatriot Jasper Stubbs at 14-under but took the final spot thanks to his higher ranking on the Official World Golf Ranking Open Seats.
