With Japan’s Kota Kaneko claiming victory, the 2026 Austrian Alpine Open in Kitzbühel, Tirol, will go down in history as one of the year’s most spectacular sporting events. The performances of Austrian golf professionals Sepp Straka, Maximilian Steinlechner and Bernd Wiesberger thrilled the crowds and created an atmosphere around the course that will not soon be forgotten. Four tournament days packed with excitement, emotion and unforgettable moments provided compelling proof that Kitzbühel’s stunning Alpine setting and world-class golf are an unbeatable combination. And the best part: this was only the beginning.
Japan’s Kota Kaneko delivered an impressive performance on the final day of the 2026 Austrian Alpine Open at Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith to claim the title at the DP World Tour’s first-ever stop in Kitzbühel, along with prize money of $467,500. Local favourite Maximilian Steinlechner closed with a five-under-par final round to record his best-ever result on the DP World Tour, finishing tied for seventh – and doing so on home soil in Tirol. Star of the week Sepp Straka, who played alongside Steinlechner in the same group, signed off from a very special week in Kitzbühel with a three-under-par round. Bernd Wiesberger produced an outstanding performance to finish the tournament at 15 under par, making him the highest-placed Austrian. Against the backdrop of an enthusiastic crowd of 32,000 spectators across the four tournament days, the event once again demonstrated its extraordinary appeal to golf fans from around the world.
“Congratulations to Kota Kaneko on this well-deserved victory at the 2026 Austrian Alpine Open. What we have experienced here in Kitzbühel over these four days has been an impressive demonstration of everything Tirol has to offer as a sporting destination. Tirol stands for elite sport, hospitality and unforgettable experiences – and the Austrian Alpine Open has once again showcased all of these qualities. With today’s symbolic tee shot sending the tournament back to SalzburgerLand, we have passed the baton on – and I am very much looking forward to what awaits us in 2027,” said Mario Gerber, Tirol’s Provincial Minister for Tourism and Economic Affairs.
Karin Seiler, Managing Director of Tirol Werbung, also gave the event an overwhelmingly positive assessment: “The 2026 Austrian Alpine Open was a resounding success – the result of outstanding collaboration between Tirol, Kitzbühel Tourism, SalzburgerLand and the event organisers. Together, we have shown that Austria is capable of hosting world-class golf at the very highest level. The many hours of live coverage broadcast in more than 170 countries speak for themselves – over these past few days, Tirol has reached living rooms around the world. I was particularly delighted by the ‘Beat the Pro’ event, which demonstrated that this tournament is about far more than sport – it is an experience for the whole family and an inspiration for the next generation.”
Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser, Managing Director of Kitzbühel Tourism, emphasised the tournament’s lasting significance for the entire region: “We look back on four extraordinary days at the Austrian Alpine Open with immense gratitude. Our heartfelt thanks go to all our partners, sponsors, volunteers and the many dedicated individuals whose commitment made this tournament possible. Together, we experienced a sporting event that generated enthusiasm far beyond the world of golf. It was particularly encouraging to see the large number of visitors, the fantastic atmosphere on site and the opportunity to inspire children, young people and those interested in golf to discover the sport. We succeeded in creating an open and accessible event that brought golf closer to a broad audience. The Austrian Alpine Open impressively demonstrated the impact that elite sport can have on our region. The international exposure and the positive impressions of Kitzbühel shared with the world over these past few days are of immeasurable value to Kitzbühel as a tourism destination and to the entire region. For that, we are deeply grateful.”
Edwin Weindorfer, CEO of Golf Enterprises GmbH and organiser of the Austrian Alpine Open, reflected with pride on four exceptional days of tournament golf: “What we experienced here in Kitzbühel was simply extraordinary – a tournament at the very highest level, set against an atmosphere that was truly second to none. It all began with the opening tee shot at the Hahnenkamm start house, followed by four thrilling days of tournament action and outstanding performances from the Austrian golfers. I would like to thank everyone who made this event possible. At the same time, I am already looking forward to the next chapter: the 2027 Austrian Alpine Open will take place in SalzburgerLand, and we will do everything we can to build on these unforgettable days.”
For more information about the Kitzbühel destination, please visit kitzbuehel.com