LIBBY — Ryggs Johnston grew up enjoying on the Cupboard View Golf Membership in Libby. It is there that he developed the talents that will ultimately earn him a berth on this weekend’s 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Eire.
In his first yr {of professional} golf on the DP World Tour, Johnston’s win of the Australian Open final December clinched an invitation to golf’s oldest match.
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Libby’s Ryggs Johnston has hometown behind him forward of 153rd Open Championship
As the primary Montanan competing in a match full of superstars within the golf world, Johnston is wanting ahead to a novel problem.
“It will be a serious championship, and I am certain it’s going to be wonderful as soon as I get on the property,” Johnston, an Arizona State alum who gained 4 particular person state titles at Libby Excessive College, instructed MTN Sports activities. “It is simply actually thrilling to come back from Montana and be enjoying in Northern Eire on the British Open.”
Rising up in a state the place the weather could make it exhausting to constantly observe your golf sport was a problem Johnston selected to face head-on.
His former highschool coach, Dann Rohrer, recalled a second within the late winter months when he knew Johnston had what it takes to go professional.
“I see someone out in the course of the golf green and so they’re carrying a hitting mat, like 4-by-4, on their shoulder,” Rohrer stated. “I acknowledged the stroll as being Ryggs, however he had his grandma’s cart, so I did not acknowledge it, and I stated, ‘What are you doing?’
“He stated, ‘Effectively, I do not need to take divots on the course.’ We weren’t open but, so he was simply up working towards, and he would hit from spot to identify.”
Due to that dedication, the city of Libby is proud to name Johnston one among its personal.
Together with his trophies and merchandise discovered everywhere in the clubhouse, Cupboard View professional Jeff Dooley stated Johnston is the right consultant of their small-town golf course.
“It is actually particular for the membership. We have got his image up together with his win from the Australian Open and he is a recognizable determine now right here in Montana, nationwide, and on the DP tour,” Dooley stated. “It is simply actually a particular deal to have that sort of a participant be from our membership.”
Because the Open Championship is close to, these near Johnston have set huge objectives for him in Northern Eire.
“Simply to be proud of the way in which he performs and, and to be aggressive,” Rohrer stated. “I do know that he will be and and that will be my objective for him make the reduce No. 1. Clearly my dream and prayer, he wins it.
Johnston will tee off on the Open Championship on Thursday because the match begins with the primary spherical.
