#Letakan iklan disini
Golf Jun 19, 2026

DP World Tour: Kota Kaneko wins Austrian Alpine Open for first European title while Andrew Johnston's challenge fades

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
DP World Tour: Kota Kaneko wins Austrian Alpine Open for first European title while Andrew Johnston's challenge fades

Japan's Kota Kaneko secured his maiden DP World Tour win on just his 12th appearance with a two-stroke victory in the Austrian Alpine Open on Sunday.

The 23-year-old shot a final-round 67 to finish at 18 under, two shots ahead of America's Davis Bryant and Portugal's Ricardo Gouveia.

Having topped the leaderboard heading into the weekend, England's Andrew 'Beef' Johnston recorded his second-successive even-par round to finish seven shots off the pace in a tie for 17th.

Kaneko came into the event in strong form having finished tied-second at last week's Soudal Open in Belgium and held a one-shot lead heading into the final day's play in Kitzbuhel after three successive 65s.

A final-round of 67 was enough for the Japanese player to take the title on Sunday, although he had to come through a 71-minute delay due to the threat of lightning in the area and then some nervy moments when back on the course across the final four holes.

After dropping a shot at the par-five 15th when play resumed, Kaneko seemed to surprise himself by chipping in from off the edge of the green to retake the solo lead from Bryant at the next hole, the par-three 16th.

Two holes later at the last and, now holding a two-shot lead and seeming set to clinch the title with relative ease, he had a lucky escape off the tee.

His tee shot hit the stand at the back of the hole, went back across the green and was only saved from the water and a costly drop shot by the thick greenside rough.

But Kaneko made no mistake from there and, after after a tournament-clinching par, said: "I'm just really happy. I still can't believe that I won.

"[At the 16th] I knew I hit it hard, but it went in so I was lucky.

"I knew I hit the board [at the 18th] but I knew it didn't go in the water, so I was just happy it didn't find the water."

The DP World Tour's European Swing continues at the KLM Open in the Netherlands, live from Thursday through to Sunday on Your Site Golf. or

Tags:

golf news

Share this article

Related Posts

Chevron Championship beginner's guide: Field, format and all you need to know ahead of first women’s major of 2026

Chevron Championship beginner's guide: Field, format and all you need to know ahead of first women’s major of 2026

What makes The Chevron Championship so special? How can players qualify? Where is the tournament being held? And who is likely to impress? We get you...

RBC Heritage: Matt Fitzpatrick's caddie offers words used during Rory McIlroy's Grand Slam to inspire play-off win

RBC Heritage: Matt Fitzpatrick's caddie offers words used during Rory McIlroy's Grand Slam to inspire play-off win

Matt Fitzpatrick revealed how his caddie replicated words used during Rory McIlroy’s 2025 Grand Slam success to spur him on to a dramatic play-off vic...

RBC Heritage LIVE! Reaction, scores, highlights as Matt Fitzpatrick beats Scottie Scheffler in PGA Tour play-off

RBC Heritage LIVE! Reaction, scores, highlights as Matt Fitzpatrick beats Scottie Scheffler in PGA Tour play-off

Millwall complete Arconte singingMillwall have announced the signing of Taryk Arconte. The 22-year-old Guadeloupean forward joins from Rodez AF o...

LIV Golf: Saudi Arabia's PIF confirms it will end funding of rebel league at the end of the season

LIV Golf: Saudi Arabia's PIF confirms it will end funding of rebel league at the end of the season

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will end its funding for LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season.In a statement released on Th...

Ryder Cup: Jim Furyk confirmed as Team USA captain for 2027 tournament at Adare Manor

Ryder Cup: Jim Furyk confirmed as Team USA captain for 2027 tournament at Adare Manor

Jim Furyk has been confirmed as Team USA captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.The 55-year-old becomes one of only four US captains...

Where are the golf majors held? Confirmed future venues for The Open, US Open, PGA Championship and more

Where are the golf majors held? Confirmed future venues for The Open, US Open, PGA Championship and more

Here are all the confirmed venues for the future majors, including The Open, US Open, PGA Championship, AIG Women's Open and more. Augusta National ho...