5 Years of Golf the Streif: Record Participation Featuring Seven Olympic Gold Medals
Once a year, arguably the world's most famous ski downhill course transforms into an extraordinary golf course. This year's fifth edition of Golf the Streif attracted more athletes and golf enthusiasts than ever before. Every summer, Olympic champions, world champions and elite athletes from a wide range of disciplines gather on the legendary Streif, including Linus Straßer, David Kreiner, Alessandro Hämmerle, Huw Nightingale, Michael Greis and many more.
Originally launched as Streif Attack as part of the Golf Festival Kitzbühel, the event has been organised by Kitzbühel Tourism since 2022. Once a year, this unique format combines the fascination of the legendary Streif with the precision of golf and has long since become a highlight of Kitzbühel's annual events calendar.
With four golf courses in town and another twelve within close proximity, Kitzbühel ranks among the leading golf destinations in the Alps. The region recently reaffirmed this reputation by successfully hosting the Austrian Alpine Open 2026 presented by Kitzbühel – Tirol.
Golf the Streif: A Tournament Like No Other
The day traditionally begins with breakfast at the Hahnenkamm start house. Participants then compete in teams of four over twelve holes laid out along the legendary downhill course. The tournament is played in a team format, with the best-positioned ball serving as the starting point for the team's next shot.
A short refreshment break at the Seidlalm provides an opportunity to recharge before tackling the demanding traverse towards the finish. Victory goes to the team completing the course in the fewest strokes. Additional excitement comes from special competitions including Hole-in-One, Longest Drive, and Nearest to the Pin, with attractive prizes such as a golf cart, a Mini Cabrio for the summer season, and premium vouchers.
"The Streif is a major attraction for the Kitzbühel destination in both summer and winter. Every year we are impressed by the determination and enthusiasm with which participants embrace this unique challenge. We are especially delighted that this year's event welcomed ten elite athletes with a combined total of seven Olympic gold medals," said Dr Viktoria Veider-Walser, Managing Director of Kitzbühel Tourism.
Hahnenkamm Meets Sporting Legends
As in previous years, Golf the Streif also marked the official presentation of the poster for the 87th Hahnenkamm Races, which will take place from 18 to 24 January 2027. Together with Peter Kofler, BTV Regional Manager for Private Banking Germany, the Kitzbühel Ski Club unveiled the winning design from the international poster competition.
A total of 286 designs were submitted by 138 artists from around the world. Inashvili Lasha from Georgia, who had already won the competition for the 2024 Hahnenkamm poster, impressed the jury once again with an innovative origami-inspired design that can actually be folded.
Numerous ski and golf professionals, alongside passionate amateur golfers, gathered for the fifth edition of Golf the Streif. As tradition dictates, the opening flight on the legendary downhill course was led by the Kitzbühel Ski Club, headed by President Dr. Michael Huber.
Particular attention was given to the two athlete flights featuring an outstanding line-up of sporting stars. Participants included Linus Straßer, Hahnenkamm slalom champion and long-standing member of the Kitzbühel Ski Club, former German international footballer Lukas Hinterseer, Olympic champion and two-time world champion David Kreiner and two-time Olympic champion Alessandro Hämmerle.
The second athlete flight featured snowboard cross Olympic champion Huw Nightingale, Ski World Cup racer and The Londoner Kitzbühel Local Hero Felix Monsén, together with Dave Jamieson, General Manager of The Londoner Kitzbühel. Completing the elite field - comprising eight top athletes with a combined total of seven Olympic gold medals - were three-time Olympic biathlon champion and world champion Michael Greis as well as former Ski World Cup racer Fritz Dopfer.
The golfing line-up was equally impressive. PGA Professionals Max and Michi Glattenbacher from the Kitzgolf Academy, former LPGA Tour player Marina Stütz, and two-time SnowGolf World Champion Adi Hengstberger all took part. Entrepreneur KR Fritz Unterberger also returned as a participant.
An exceptional four golfers recorded a hole-in-one, with one long-standing Golf the Streif participant winning a Club Car golf cart.
The tournament title went to the team representing local company Elektro Achorner. Competing in Golf the Streif for the first time, the team claimed victory against strong competition.
Golf Festival Kitzbühel 2027
The next edition of the Golf Festival Kitzbühel is scheduled to take place from 20 to 27 June 2027. Golf the Streif will once again be held on Thursday, 25 June 2027.
Due to high demand and the large number of advance reservations, early registration is strongly recommended to secure one of the coveted starting places.
For more information about the Kitzbühel destination, please visit kitzbuehel.com.