The Austrian Alpine Open presented by Kitzbühel – Tirol continue to gather momentum: During the press conference in Kitzbühel, Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser, Managing Director of Kitzbühel Tourism, Patricio Hetfleisch from Tirol Werbung, and tournament promoter Ali Al-Khaffaf presented the sporting and infrastructural highlights for Austria’s only DP World Tour event. The focus was placed on the further development of Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course, the unique spectator experience including the entertainment program, and the Austrian player field.
Since the tournament was awarded, the golf course has been specifically upgraded to meet international top-level standards. Among the improvements were the construction of eight new tee boxes, reshaping of fairways, the addition of new fairway bunker areas on four holes, and an overall enhancement in course conditioning. During tournament week, the course will become even more demanding through tighter fairways, higher rough, and precisely prepared greens. The DP World Tour agronomy team has been closely involved throughout the process, continuously supervising the course preparation and approving the renovation measures already last autumn.
“We have specifically tailored Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course to meet the requirements of a DP World Tour event. Players can expect a setup demanding the highest level of precision – while our guests will experience a tournament set against scenery that is unmatched internationally,” said Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser, Managing Director of Kitzbühel Tourism.
Particularly exciting will be the holes featuring major elevation changes. On Hole 5, a short Par 3, players must calculate for a 34-meter downhill shot. Hole 6 climbs steeply uphill and has also been converted from a Par 5 into a Par 4. Hole 7 is expected to become one of the course’s signature holes. Known as the “Mausefalle”, the Par 3 offers one of the most spectacular panoramas on the course, overlooking the Streif and the Hahnenkamm, while demanding absolute precision to avoid penalty shots. The long Par 4s could also prove decisive.
The practice facilities have likewise been upgraded to accommodate an international top-class field. For the tournament, a new temporary driving range approximately 400 meters long will be created – one of the longest on the Tour – with views of the Wilder Kaiser mountains. The short-game and practice areas have been designed to provide optimal conditions for the professionals while allowing fans to watch the players practice from close range.
“Starting Monday, 25 May, we will offer a special entertainment program for children and young people. Together with the Tirol Golf Association, we will provide a wide range of activities throughout the week both for young golfers and for anyone who has not yet discovered the sport,” added Dr. Viktoria Veider-Walser.
Representing Tirol Werbung, Patricio Hetfleisch emphasized Tirol’s strong belief in golf’s potential: “Tirol is home to so many beautiful golf courses that attract numerous visitors. This tournament showcases Tirol’s golf offering and breathtaking scenery to the entire world right at the start of the summer season. At the same time, young people succeeding in sport are the greatest inspiration for the next domestic generation.”
Tournament promoter Ali Al-Khaffaf described the new 18th hole as a particular highlight: the Par 3 has been intentionally designed as a spectacular finishing hole for the tournament. A stadium-like atmosphere will combine sporting drama with close proximity to the action, allowing players to truly feel the energy of the crowd.
Additional excitement comes from the Austrian player field. At the press conference, Ali Al-Khaffaf confirmed that the eight highest-ranked Austrian players in the world rankings will compete at the Austrian Alpine Open. Already confirmed are Austrian superstar Sepp Straka, China Open winner Bernd Wiesberger, and local hero Maximilian Steinlechner. They will be joined by Lukas Nemecz, Niklas Regner, and Christoph Bleier, who have received professional wildcards from the Austrian Golf Association. Matthias Schwab has also secured a spot thanks to a wildcard presented by SalzburgerLand. The eighth Austrian player, Timon Baltl, earned his place by winning this year’s Audi Circuit.
An additional wildcard will be contested at the “Austrian Amateur” tournament beginning 8 May, 2026, while another wildcard – presented by the Schön Klinik Group – will be played for on 18 May at Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course.
“The fact that Austria’s best players will all tee it up together at the Austrian Alpine Open sends a strong signal for golf in Austria. With the country’s top eight players in the world rankings, the spectators will get exactly the field this tournament deserves,” said Ali Al-Khaffaf.
The Austrian Alpine Open combine sporting excellence with alpine atmosphere and a premium overall experience for players, guests, and fans. The altitude, the scenery surrounding the Wilder Kaiser, the proximity to Kitzbühel’s more than 750-year-old town center, as well as world-class gastronomy and hospitality, make the tournament a unique experience on the international golf calendar.
“For us, it is a great privilege to host this tournament here in Tirol. The combination of alpine scenery, authentic hospitality, and international sporting expertise makes this location truly unique. Together, we are creating a genuine experience for local people while showcasing Tirol to the world. The Austrian Alpine Open aim to demonstrate what golf in Austria is capable of,” said Al-Khaffaf.
All information about the destination Kitzbühel can be found at golf.kitzbuehel.com.
