Ryggs Johnston, a professional golfer from Libby, Montana, is poised to achieve a significant milestone by participating in the upcoming Open Championship in Northern Ireland. His participation marks a historic moment as he becomes the first golfer from Montana to compete in this esteemed event.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Johnston shared, “It’s going to be a major championship and I’m sure it’ll be amazing once I get on property. It’s just really exciting to come from Montana and be playing in Northern Ireland at the British Open.”
Johnston’s journey to this prestigious event is nothing short of extraordinary. He gained recognition as a four-time state champion during his high school years and later had a successful stint at Arizona State University, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Sun Devils to a PAC-12 Championship. Reflecting on this achievement, he noted, “That meant a lot to me. We never won any major titles in my years there, and I wanted to win an individual or conference championship.”
After completing his education, Johnston took an adventurous step by heading to Spain for qualifying school to pursue his dreams. He described this decision as a “crazy chain of events,” emphasizing how well everything aligned for him. His hard work and dedication paid off as he successfully passed through the qualifying rounds, earning the chance to compete in his first two DP World Tour Pro events, where he impressed by making the cut in his debut and winning the Australian Open Championship. This victory significantly boosted his Official World Golf Ranking from beyond 900 to 339th and secured his spot in his first major championship.
Johnston’s journey embodies the essence of perseverance and self-belief. He inspired others by stating, “I think it just shows in itself that anything’s possible. As long as you work hard and believe in yourself, and surround yourself with people that believe in you, it’s possible for anyone.”
In a show of community spirit, Johnston recently held a youth golf clinic in his hometown, sharing valuable golf tips and motivational messages with aspiring young athletes.
From humble beginnings in Libby, Montana, to competing on one of the largest stages in professional golf, Ryggs Johnston’s story not only highlights his personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration to many. His journey is just unfolding, and with each step, he continues to uplift and motivate those around him.