In a plot twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Ryggs Johnston, a name inspired by Mel Gibson’s character in “Lethal Weapon,” claimed victory at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open.
This young American, only 24, stormed Kingston Heath with a final round of 68, clinching the title at a breezy 18 under par, three strokes ahead of Aussie favourite Curtis Luck.
This victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. The Montana native, who turned pro earlier this year, is making waves faster than a speedboat escaping bad guys.
From battling through Qualifying School to finishing 42nd on his DP World Tour debut just last week, Johnston’s leap to the winner’s circle this week is nothing short of cinematic.
The drama unfolded from the start. Johnston, sharing the day’s lead with Lucas Herbert, eagle-eyed the first hole from the fringe—an audacious move that set the tone for the day.
Meanwhile, Luck, trailing by three at the outset, wasn’t giving up without a fight, nailing a birdie from just three feet at the sixth.
Johnston, while tallying three bogeys, kept his cool with key birdies, including a critical one from 15 feet at the eighth.
On his win, Johnston said “To be honest probably not (expecting the win). 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.
It was definitely a little stressful. The weather was kind of up and down. It was really nice for 15 minutes and really bad for 15 minutes and I knew I was right in it and just had to come about towards the end.
And then when I walked up to 17 green, I finally saw the leaderboard and saw I had a three shot lead and then I could take a little bit of a breath and just say, I just need to hit a couple more good shots and I’ll be done.
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.
I’ve got a lot of messages from friends back home saying the whole town is watching. 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.
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.
It’s great, I’ve heard the Australians love this place and they turned out, the crowds were big and they were so supportive – it was a lot of fun.”
As the final group made the turn, the leaderboard was as tight as a thriller’s climax, with Luck and Herbert breathing down Johnston’s neck.
However, as Herbert’s challenge faded, Johnston’s flair for the dramatic shone. A wedge to six feet on the tenth reasserted his lead.
Luck’s 30-foot birdie on the 13th kept the suspense high, but Johnston’s steady hand brought him a birdie at the 14th, keeping him in control.
With the final scenes playing out, Luck’s tee troubles at the last two holes cost him dearly, while Johnston’s spectacular 30-footer on the 15th all but sealed the deal.
Luck finished with a 68, securing an Open spot alongside Johnston and the seasoned Marc Leishman, who clinched the final ticket to Royal Portrush tied for third.
Beyond the men’s drama, the ISPS HANDA Australian Open was a stage for multiple narratives.
Jiyai Shin of Korea triumphed in the women’s league with a solid two-shot victory, and Simon Seungmin Lee mirrored this success in the Australian All Abilities Championship, marking a debut to remember.
As the curtain falls on this thrilling event, Ryggs Johnston walks away not just as the ISPS HANDA Australian Open winner 2024, but as a promising star in the golfing galaxy, his trajectory as thrilling as any action hero’s.
