Ryggs Johnston wins Australian Open, capturing Arizona State alum’s first professional title | National sport

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Unheralded American Ryggs Johnston won his first professional title on Sunday, posting a 4-under 68 to secure a three-shot victory at the Australian Open at Kingston Heath. The Arizona State graduate was among three players who secured a spot at the British Open.

Jiyai Shin won the Women’s Australian Open for the second time. The men’s and women’s tournaments were played simultaneously for different trophies and the same prize fund.

Johnston, a 24-year-old from Montana, turned pro just five months ago and recently earned a European Tour card through Q-School. He won by three shots over Curtis Luck and became the first American to win the Stonehaven Cup since Jordan Spieth in 2016.

Marc Leishman (69), who plays on the LIV Tour, and fellow Australian Jasper Stubbs (70) took third place at 14-under 273. Luck and Leishman also secured places in next year’s British Open at Royal Portrush.

Asia tour

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Peter Uihlein closed out a five-shot victory in the International Series Qatar with a 3-under 69, his second title this year in the Asian Tour’s top events.

The victory moved Uihlein, who has been with LIV Golf since its inception in 2022, to the top of the International Series standings.

Former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel finished with a 68 and finished second. Louis Oosthuizen and Miguel Tabuena shared third place.

John Catlin finished 19th with a 71 to secure the Asian Tour Order of Merit title with one tournament to go. He slipped to second place behind Uihlein in the International Series standings.

Other tours

Shaun Norris finished with a 2-under 68 to win the Golf Nippon Series JT Cup at the final Japan Golf Tour event of the year. Takumi Kanaya shot 67 to finish third, enough to secure the money title. … Carlota Ciganda had a 1-under 71 for a one-shot victory in the season-ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España. It was the Spaniard’s eighth career title on the Ladies European Tour.

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