A stylish setting, international guests and emotional moments defined the Austrian Alpine Open Night on Tuesday evening at the VIP Club – Home of Alpine Golf at the Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith Golf Course. The festive gala evening not only celebrated the sport of golf, together with golf star Sepp Straka, and the upcoming tournament days, but also placed a strong focus on charitable giving. In cooperation with the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation, the organizers sent a powerful message of social responsibility, supporting people with disabilities as well as individuals who are ill or have fallen into hardship through no fault of their own.
One day before the star-studded Pro-Am Tournament of the Austrian Alpine Open 2026 presented by Kitzbühel – Tirol, invited guests gathered alongside professional golfers, Austrian sporting icons, cultural figures and international visitors.
Celebrity Guests and Artistic Highlight
Among the approximately 400 guests were not only the evening’s star, Sepp Straka, but also German professional golfer and defending champion Nicolai von Dellingshausen, actors Hans Sigl and Mark Keller, and comedian Matze Knop. Together with Karin Seiler, CEO of Tirol Werbung, Dr. Christian Harisch, Chairman of Kitzbühel Tourism, and tournament organizer Edwin Weindorfer, Straka spoke about the unique atmosphere of the evening and the significance of hosting a DP World Tour event in Kitzbühel. The artistic highlight of the gala was a breathtaking acrobatic performance by Lili Paul-Roncalli.
Sport as a Bridge to Society
The ceremonial opening of the international tournament was not only about golf and the stars who are set to captivate audiences in the days ahead, but also about social responsibility. In partnership with the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation, the Austrian Alpine Open 2026 are sending a strong message of solidarity and support. Part of the proceeds from the gala evening will benefit people living with disabilities as well as individuals who have fallen into hardship through no fault of their own. This commitment was also prominently represented by Heidrun Beckenbauer and Joel Beckenbauer, both members of the Foundation’s Board. By placing this initiative at the heart of the tournament’s opening celebrations, the organizers underscored their belief in sport as a bridge to society.
The evening marked a memorable and inspiring start to a tournament week that places Kitzbühel firmly in the spotlight of the international golfing world.
Photo Credit © Kitzbühel – Tirol / Hetfleisch