Organizers of the Austrian Alpine Open, part of the DP World Tour, remain hopeful that golf star Sepp Straka will make an appearance at the upcoming event in his home country. The 32-year-old recently captured the biggest win of his career with a PGA Tour victory in Philadelphia on Sunday and even mentioned the tournament at Wallersee during his victory speech. “No question, it would be a dream to welcome Sepp to Altentann,” said tournament manager and organizer Edwin Weindorfer on Tuesday.
Straka’s Deep Roots at Golfclub Gut Altentann
Straka’s schedule currently includes a commitment to the PGA Tour’s Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, slated for the end of May—coinciding with the Austrian Open’s return to Europe’s premier golf tour. The Memorial, founded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, boasts a prize pool of $20 million, making it over seven times more lucrative than the Salzburg event. Interestingly, Nicklaus also designed the course at Golfclub Gut Altentann, where the Austrian tournament will take place.
Personal Connection Fuels Hopes in Salzburg
In Salzburg, organizers are banking on emotional ties to sway the decision. Straka, who is competing this week in the PGA Championship, has strong personal connections to the venue. “We know how close he feels to this place. That makes our hope for a last-minute sporting and emotional miracle even greater,” said Weindorfer. Straka’s parents met in Altentann, and his father Peter is expected to attend the tournament and play in the Pro-Am event scheduled for Wednesday, May 28.
Open Invitation for the Austrian Star
Niki Wiesberger, sporting director of the Austrian Open, emphasized in an interview with APA that the door remains open for Straka. “As a DP World Tour member, he can officially register his participation until Friday’s entry deadline. Additionally, we as organizers retain the option to invite players even beyond that date, and we’re keeping that possibility open,” Wiesberger explained.
With local pride, a storied venue, and emotional significance all in play, Salzburg remains hopeful that one of its most successful golf sons will find a way to return home—at least for a round.
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