Kitzbühel golf course revamped for Austrian Alpine Open

The Kitzbühel golf course is ready to host the Austrian Alpine Open, a prestigious event on the DP World Tour, following extensive renovations. The picturesque course, nestled between the "Wilder Kaiser" and Kitzbüheler Horn, has been upgraded to meet tour standards, featuring a par of 70. Local player Maximilian Steinlechner described the course as having strong par-3 holes, numerous short approaches on par-4s, and reachable par-5s.

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Strong Par-3 holes, many short approaches on Par-4s and reachable Par-5s.

To enhance the challenge on the relatively short course, eight tee boxes and several bunkers have been newly constructed. The fairways have been narrowed, and the roughs deepened. Holes five and six present significant elevation changes, with the fifth dropping 34 meters downhill and the sixth ascending steeply. For the Open, the usual hole sequence will be reversed, with holes one through nine serving as ten through 18, starting on the current tenth hole.

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If you sink a few putts at the right time, then why not?

A notable feature is the "Mausefalle" (mouse trap), the seventh hole, a par-3 designed to impress both players and spectators with its panoramic view. The new finishing hole, also a par-3, incorporates water hazards and is framed by grandstands, aiming to create a dramatic final atmosphere.

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Golf is a crazy sport. I missed a cut in India before my win in China. It can happen quickly.

Bernd Wiesberger, a seasoned competitor, is among the contenders expected to deliver exciting play. Having recently secured his ninth DP World Tour title in Shanghai, the 40-year-old aims for his tenth career victory in Kitzbühel, 14 years after his home win in Atzenbrugg. "Golf is a crazy sport," Wiesberger remarked, reflecting on his unpredictable career. He emphasized the importance of staying relaxed and trusting one's abilities to achieve good shots and sink putts. Wiesberger, who arrived on Sunday, highlighted the special significance of home tournaments, where the adrenaline levels are higher due to the course and the crowd's energy.

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Relax and trust your own abilities, then good golf shots happen, then the putts go in, and then suddenly you're not tied for 45th, but tied for 13th, and occasionally first.