Ryggs Johnston wins the Australian Open for his first title. Jiyai Shin wins women’s event
MELBOURNE, Australia — Little-known American Ryggs Johnston claimed his first professional title by winning the Australian Open by three strokes, while South Korea’s Jiyai Shin won her second Women’s Australian Open, which was played simultaneously over two course of Melbourne’s famous sandbelt.
Johnston shot a 68 on Sunday to finish at 18-under 269 and three clear of Australian Curtis Luck (68), who had briefly taken the lead down the stretch at Kingston Heath.
The 24-year-old Montana native, ranked No. 953 in the world rankings, is the first American to win the Stonehaven Cup since Jordan Spieth won it for the second time in 2016. Other past winners include Jack Nicklaus , Arnold Palmer and Gary. Player.
“It’s really cool to be in a group with these guys,” Johnston said. “And I’m just honored to be able to put my name on it now, and I will cherish this moment forever.”
Marc Leishman (69), who plays on the LIV Tour, and fellow Australian Jasper Stubbs (70) were tied for third with a score of 14 under (273).
After leading, or sharing the lead after the first three rounds, Australian Lucas Herbert had a tough day on the greens shooting a 74 to slip to 12 under and tied for fifth.
The day started well for Johnston, however, with an eagle at first. But he followed that up with two birdies exchanged with three bogeys as he made the turn with a 35.
The former Arizona State University player showed more composure down the stretch, making three more bogey-free birdies as he closed out the biggest victory of his young career with a par at final hole at Kingston Heath, which will host the 2028 Presidents. Cup.
Defending men’s champion Joaquin Niemann was unable to repeat his 64 from Saturday, which saw him return to contention and could only manage a final round even-par 72 for a total of 12-under 275 and a tie for sixth place.
2022 British Open champion Cameron Smith shot 71 on Sunday to finish at 3-under 285 and tied for 39th to end his four-tournament home winless stint.
At the Women’s Australian Open, Shin held off a late challenge from Ashleigh Buhai, who finished quickly, to win her second Australian Open title.
Shin shot a 70 on Sunday for a total of 274 under par, 17, to win by two shots from two-time defending champion Buhai (68).
The former world number 1 had led by no less than seven shots in the final round, but Buhai’s five birdies, with one bogey, down the stretch made Shin’s victory much less certain.
The 36-year-old South Korean did not falter and sank a seven-foot putt in the final to close out her 65th professional title and a second Australian Open since winning in 2013.
“Now I can breathe,” Shin said. “I’ve only won one Australian Open trophy, so I’m really excited for the next one, especially on this Kingston Heath golf course.
“I lost in 2008 to Karrie Webb, so now I feel a lot better.”
Buhai was trying to become the first consecutive three-time winner at the Australian Open and made a 12-foot birdie at the last to cut Shin’s margin to one shot, but he rounded the cut.
17-year-old amateur Hyojin Yang finished third at seven under, 10 shots behind compatriot Shin, after a final round of 72.
Hannah Green (79) got off to a disastrous start to her final round, quickly falling out of contention with three bogeys and a double bogey in her first nine holes.
Green finished tied for fourth with compatriot Grace Kim (70) at 6-under 285.
LPGA Tour regular Minjee Lee shot 71 to finish tied for seventh at 3-under 288, while her brother, PGA Tour player Min Woo Lee, carded a 70 for 5-under 282 and tied for 27th place.
The tournaments had alternate tee times – and with equal prize money for the second year in a row – at the par-72 Kingston Heath (par-73 for the Women’s Open) and the par-71 Victoria Golf Club.
Kingston Heath hosted the final two rounds after rotating with Victoria Golf Club for the first two rounds.
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