9th May 2023 | Alps Tour Golf
The Alps Tour heads to Austria for the 31st Gösser Open.
Pre-Tournament Notes
Maria Lankowitz, Graz, Austria
11th– 13th May 2023Alps Tour Media Contact: [email protected]
Quick Links
Tournament Entries for the 2023 Gösser Open
The Alps Tour heads to Austria for the 31st Gösser Open.
Maria Lankowitz, May 9th 2023- The Alps Tour players head to Austria to compete in the 31st edition of the 2023 Gösser Open. This will be the 4th event of the 2023 season and will be played at Golf Club Erzherzog Johann in Maria Lankowitz from Thursday May 11th until Saturday May 13th.
On May 9th at GC Graz-Andritz St. Gotthard, owned by the Murhof Gruppe, this week’s promoter, the 2023 Austrian International Par 3 Championship will take place. Some of the professionals that will be taking part will then be competing for the Gösser Open title.
On Wednesday May 10th, the traditional Gösser Open shotgun Pro-Am will take place with approximately 32 teams competing.
The Gösser Open, is one of the most important stops of the Tour season and it is the oldest tournament on the Alps Tour schedule. It is also the most traditional professional golf tournament played in Austria.
The event began in 1993 at Steiermärkischer Golf Club Murhof and in 2000 it moved to Erzherzog Johann GC, which became its permanent host course. Just a year later in 2001 when the Alps Tour was founded, the Gösser Open became part of the Alps Tour schedule, and has been a regular event since then.
The Field
All of this season past winners will headline a strong field of 144 players at the 2023 Gösser Open: Jack Floydd, winner of the 2023 Ein Bay Open, Quim Vidal, winner of the 2023 Red Sea Little Venice Open and Kiet Van der Weele, winner of the 2023 Alps de Las Castillas.
In the field this week, all of the players who are currently in the top 10 of the actual Alps Tour Order of Merit will be competing except for number 7, Spain’s Jacobo Pastor. The current top 3 places are held by leader Spain’s Quim Vidal, number 2 Netherland’s and most recent winner Kiet Van der Weele and England’s Jack Floydd who rounds out the top 3 spots.
The current defending champion of the Gösser Open, which also celebrated the 30th edition is Austria’s own Markus Brierwith a score of 17 under-par. He is a current Legends Tour player with multiple wins on both the Challenge Tour as well as the DP World Tour. He captured the Gösser Open title three times in his career: 1994, 1995 and 2022.
Brier will be in the field this week alongside fellow Legends Tour players Swiss André Bossert and England’s David Shacklady.
The Gösser Open title was captured by notable players over the years that include England’s Matt Wallace in 2016. Inevitably a number of Austrian players have triumphed over the years some of which multiple times: Lukas Nemecs, Gordon Manson and most recently Markus Brier.
One of the most recent past champions, Austria’s Timon Baltl who won in 2019 will be competing for the title this week alongside other past champions like: Austria’s Martin Wiegele, France’s Thomas Elissalde and Austria’s Jurgen Maurer. Baltl was able to earn his Challenge Tour card in 2020 thanks to the results he achieved in 2019 on the Alps Tour.
This week, there will be 144 players competing from 17 different nationalities for the title. The players will be playing for a prize fund of €40,000 and 45,000 points. The winner of the 31st edition of the Gösser Open, will earn €5,800 and 6,525 Order of Merit points.
The format of the tournament is a 54 holes stroke play, where a cut will be made after 36 holes. The top 40 players and ties will compete during the final round on May 13th 2023.
To view the most up-to-date entry list, click here.
The Course
Golf Club Erzherzog Johann in Maria Lankowitz is a 5967 meters par 72 course. It was designed by architect DI Herwig Zisser and inaugurated in 1992. The course is located about 40km from the city of Graz on the edge of a natural reserve in the Western Styria area. It was built as part of a revitalization project due to the fact that the area underneath the golf course was previously a coal mine.
Golf Club Erzherzog Johann in Maria Lankowitz has some picturesque views including rolling hills, lakes, and forests which appease the eye. Nonetheless, the course creates numerous challenges for the players that require accuracy and precision due to the layout of the golf course.
The current tournament course record is held by Lukas Lipold in his 2nd round of the 2022 Gösser Open, Thomas Feyrsinger in his 2nd round of the 2005 Gösser Open and Claude Grenier in his 1st round of the 2011 Gösser Open, all with a score of 63.
Tournament Promoter
The 4th event of the 2023 season, is promoted by Murhof Gruppe. The sponsors and partners of Murhof Gruppe are Gösser Beer, Region Graz, Lipizzaner Heimat- Steiermark, Austrian Golf Federation, the city of Maria Lankowitz Wallfahrtsort Freizeitparadies and Steiermärkische Sparkasse. Their media partners are: Gepa Pictures, Antenne Steiermark andKleine Zeitung.
The Murhof Gruppe owns various golf courses throughout Austria including this week’s venue.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android).
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26th February 2023 | Alps Tour Golf
A three-way tie for the lead after the first round at the Red Sea Little Venice Open.
Round 1 Review
Red Sea Little Venice Open
Sokhna Golf Club
Suez, Egypt
26th – 28th February 2023
Alps Tour Media Contact: [email protected]
Leaderboard
| Pos. | Name | Score |
| 1 | Issa Abou El Ela (EGY) (am) | -5 (67) |
| Flavio Michetti (ITA) (am) | -5 (67) | |
| Lukas Lipold (AUT) | -5 (67) | |
| 4 | Enrico Di Nitto (ITA) | -4 (68) |
| And 4 players at |
Quick Links
Round 1 Leaderboard
Round 2 Tee Time
First Round Player Quotes –
Egyptian amateur Issa Abou El Ela who is competing this week on a wildcard invitation, co-leads alongside two other players at the end of the 1st round at the 2023 Red Sea Little Venice Open. He shot a 5 under-par 67 today with 1 bogey and 6 birdies. After his round, he commented: “I played really well, I struck to my game plan of trying to hit fairways and greens and making pars, then if something dropped it did. I kept everything under control today and I’m pleased.” He also went on to add that he found “the course playing really well, I believe it was a fair day for it being a first round. The fairways and greens were rolling very nicely today and it was great to putt on nice greens! I’m able to shape the ball both ways which I strongly believe helps a lot on this golf course so I can always find myself in the best spots on the golf course.”
Flavio Michetti (am) from Italy who represents Marco Simone Golf Club is one of the 1st round co-leaders at 5 under-par alongside Issa Abou El Ela (am) and Lukas Lipold. In today’s round, he made 6 birdies and 1 bogey for a 5 under-par 67. When he finished his round, Flavio commented: “I struggled on the first few holes today, after the 3rd hole where I made birdie, I gained some confidence back in my game and was able to change the way I approached the rest of the round.” He has been playing well since the start of the season concluding the last tournament in 9th place. Today he made only 1 bogey due to a 3-putt. He also added: “Today my short game was very very good. I’m currently very confident with my putting and driving which helps a lot. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.”
Round 1 co-leader Flavio Michetti (am). Photo Credits: Alps Tour Golf/ Federico Capretti
Austria’s Lukas Lipold who is 29 years old and represents GCC Salzburg-Klessheim, is the 3rd player tied for the lead at the end of the 1st round. He made 3 birdies and 1 bogey on the front nine and 3 birdies on the back nine today for a 5 under-par 67. Lukas proudly commented: “I’m very happy with my performance today. I managed to make a couple good pars on some of the more challenging holes and that always helps keeping the momentum going. I’m happy I managed to take advantage of some of the better chances on the course.”
Round 1 co-leader Lukas Lipold. Photo Credits: Alps Tour Golf/ Federico Capretti
Defending champion, France’s Oihan Guillamoundeguy concluded his 1st round with a 4 under-par 68 and finds himself tied for 4th place. He won this event last year as an amateur player however, he turned professional the 1st week of December 2022 and is now competing as a professional. At the conclusion of his round, he was pleased with his game: “I played very well in spite of some putts which did not fall. I am really happy because my long game was perfect and I now obviously want to continue this way. Today my iron game was really good and it allowed me to never put myself in real danger.” Oihan went on to add that defending his title this week as a professional doesn’t “change anything, the desire remains the same. I want to win and do the best I possibly can every time.”
Spain’s Quim Vidal only 23 years old is one of the 5 players tied for 4th place after today’s first round. He made 5 birdies and 1 bogey for a 4 under-par 68. After the round Quim said: “I didn’t start playing my best but I knew I had to stay patient and that birdies would come. I started making some putts and I took advantages of the lasts par 5s.”
Alongside Oihan Guillamoundeguy and Quim Vidal tied at 4 under-par there is: Italy’s Enrico Di Nitto, Netherland’s Davey Porsius and Spain’s Manuel Morugan.
One of ten players tied for 9th place at 3 under-par is Swiss Arthur Ameil-Planchin who 28 years old and represents Golf des Volcans. In today’s round, he made 2 bogeys and 2 birdies on the front nine and 3 birdies on the back nine. After he completed his first round, Arthur commented: “Today was such a good day, especially the birdie-birdie finish. It was a great way to finish the round. I played well, I focused on my rhythm for the entire round and tried to be very patient because after 2 bogeys on the first 4 holes I wasn’t pleased. I tried to stay calm and that’s why I was able to play well I think.”.
The 120 players from 23 different nations are competing for an overall prize fund of €40.000 and 45,000 Order of Merit points. The winner will earn €5,800 and 6,525 Order of Merit points.
Round 2-
The second round of the 2023 Red Sea Little Venice Open will begin again at 7:00 am local time from the 1stand 10th hole. After round 2, a cut will be made to the top 40 players and ties.
Tournament Promoter-
Both the 2023 Ein Bay Open and the 2023 Red Sea Little Venice Open are grateful for the support of: Sokhna Golf Club, Ein Bay, Hassan Allam Properties, TPC- Touristic Promotion Company, Jaz Hotel Little Venice and Coca Cola Egypt.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android).
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6th October 2022 | Alps Tour Golf
Lukas Lipold leads after Round 1 at the 2022 Emilia Romagna Alps Tour Grand Final
Leaderboard-
| Pos. | Name | Score |
| 1 | Lukas Lipold | -6 (66) |
| T2 | Jonathan Yates | -5 (67) |
| Gary Hurley | -5(67) | |
| T4 | Carlo Casalegno | -4 (68) |
| Franck Medale | -4 (68) | |
| Julien Sale | -4 (68) | |
| Gregorio De Leo | -4 (68) |
Quick Links-
Modena, October 6th 2022– Austria’s Lukas Lipold leads with a 6 under-par 66 at the conclusion of the first round. Just one stroke back in a tie for 2nd place an Irish duo, Jonathan Yates with a bogey-free round and Gary Hurley at 5 under-par. There is a 4-way tie for 4th place at 4 under-par that includes the current Order of Merit leader Italy’s Gregorio De Leo. Alongside De Leo in the 4-way tie there is: Italy’s Carlo Casalegno and France’s Franck Medale and Julien Sale.
A beautiful fall day with a comfortable temperature and perfect scoring conditions welcomed the players for the first round of the 2022 Emilia Romagna Alps Tour Grand Final. The tournament is being held at Modena Golf and Country Club. Play began this morning at 8:30 am from the 1st hole for all competitors. Forecasts still give another two sunny days with good temperatures that will ease the players competing this week. This is the season ending event where the top 5 players in the Order of Merit rank at the end of this week’s tournament will earn a Challenge Tour, category 12 card for the 2023 season. Gregorio De Leo, current Order of Merit leader has already secured himself one the of five Challenge Tour cards that is up for grabs at this week’s event
Round 1 Player Quotes-
Austria’s Lukas Lipold who turned professional at the end of 2019, shot a 6 under-par to lead after the 1stround of the 2022 Emilia Romagna Alps Tour Grand Final. After a steady start, Lukas had a strong finish with 2 birdies on the last two holes. Following today’s round, he happily commented, “I had a pretty nervous start, I hit a few bad shots in the beginning and was able to scramble through it. Just before the turn I was able to catch some speed, felt good with some putts rolling in and it was a fun round.” When asked to comment his strong finish, Lukas said: “I made a mistake a few holes before the end that bothered me so it was good to like finish that heading into tomorrow. I hit a lot of very good tee shots, it’s tough out here there are some very small gaps you must hit into and then I hit a lot of very good shots into the greens.” Lukas turned professional at the end of 2019 and hopes to move up to the Challenge Tour.
Ireland’s Jonathan Yates who had an incredible bogey-free 5-under par round, is in a two-way tie for 2ndplace alongside his compatriot Gary Hurley. He made 3 birdies on the front nine and 2 birdies on the back nine for his bogey-free round. After Jonathan completed the round, he commented: “Today was very enjoyable playing with Manuel, we had a stress-free round with a lot of fairways and a lot of greens. I played better around the turn but unfortunately missed a few putts. However, it was nice to get rewarded towards the end of the round and finish with two birdies. Overall it was a good solid round.” I’m looking forward. I’m just looking to win, I have nothing to lose and nothing to gain so I’m just trying to win.”
Gary Hurley from Ireland, is the other player in the two-way tie for 2nd place at 5 under-par just 1 stroke back of the lead. He had a strong finish to his round making 3 birdies on the last 3 holes to conclude his round. Gary was pleased after his round, “Today was a good round, a nice finish. I played ok, I hit some nice shots, I hit some funny shots. I definitely left a few shots out there today but then it gave me a few shots coming in which was nice. Today was a good day. It definitely was a good start.” He also said he wants to stay in the moment of what he’s doing.
In the 4-way tie for 4th place alongside current Order of Merit Leader Gregorio De Leo at 4-under par and 2 shots back of the lead there is Italy’s Carlo Casalegno, France’s Franck Medal and Julien Sale. In a tied for 8th place at 3 under-par there are 5 players.
The 45 players in the field this week are competing for an overall prize fund of €50,000 and 60,000 Order of Merit points.
Round 2-
The second round of the 2022 Emilia Romagna Alps Tour Grand Final will begin again at 8:30 am with the leaders teeing off at 12:00pm from the 1st hole.
Tournament Promoter-
The 2022 Emilia Romagna Alps Tour Grand Final is promoted directly by the Alps Tour. The event can count on the support of Regione Emilia- Romagna, Modena Golf & Country Club and Federazione Italiana Golf. The tournament also has the support of numerous sponsor suppliers such as: BPER Banca, Costa Crociere, Jaguar Land Rover, Sky Sport, Golf 2.0, Hygien Fee and Tweentee. The event also has numerous partners such as: Geo Group, Farmacia Costa, Consultants, Nanoprom, Costruzioni Generali due, Spin Automazioni, Golf’us, Ecoricerche, Gruppo Fiori, GSM, Slurp, Blondi Gioielli, Termoidraulica Venturelli/Ferretti Costruzioni, ITAS Assicurazione Agenzia Bevilacqua, Marano Lamiere, Poligolf Modena, Modula, Voiello and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store and Play Store)
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14th May 2022 | Alps Tour Golf
Austria’s Markus Brier wins the 30th anniversary of the Gösser Open
Graz, May 14th, 2022 –The Final Round of the 30th Gösser Open began at 8:30 from hole 1 and 10. The final group that included, two Legends Tour players, Austria’s Markus Brier and America’s Clark Dennis with Round 2 leader Lukas Lipold teed off at 9:47 from the 1st hole. It was a beautiful spring day with optimal scoring conditions for the players, at Golf Club Erzherzog Johann in Maria Lankowitz. This course has hosted the Gösser Open since 2000.
Legends Tour player, Austria’s Markus Brier won by one shot on the 18th hole over his compatriot Lukas Lipold. One shot back, there was a three-way tied at 16 under-par : Italy’s Andrea Saracino, Austria’s Lukas Lipold and fellow Legends Tour player American Clark Dennis. This is the third time that Markus Brier wins the Gösser Open, his previous wins were in 1994 and 1995.
Koen Kouwenaar, remains the current Alps Tour Order of Merit leader. He has a 3,399.39 points advantage over Italy’s Stefano Mazzoli who is still in second place.
Winner Quotes-
Legends Tour player, Markus Brier, won by 1 shot the 30th Gösser Open celebrating another home success for Austria. He is a previous winner of this tournament in 1994 and 1995 when it was still played at its previous host, Steiermärkische Golf Club Murhof. Brier shot a 6 under-par round for an overall 17 under-par. He turned professional in 1995 and he is a multiple winner on the Challenge Tour as well as the European Tour. Brier was very happy after his round today, “This is probably the most surprising victory I have celebrated in my professional career. The key to success today was that I got into a good rhythm very quickly and made a lot of birdies on the first nine holes.” He was really pleased about the victory today especially after not having played well the week before at the Legends Tour event at Murhof Golf Club.
Andrea Saracino who finished in a tied for 2nd place, just one shot back, had a final round, 6 under-par 66 that included 1 eagle, 6 birdies and 2 bogeys. After his solid performance this week, Saracino has now moved to 19th in the Alps Tour Order of Merit. He turned professional in 2017 and hopes to move up in the Alps Tour Order of Merit to regain his Challenge Tour card.
Austria’s Lukas Lipold who unfortunately bogeyed the 18th hole to finish in a tied for 2nd, had 5 birdies and 3 bogeys in today’s round for a 2 under-par. Lipold turned professional at the end of 2019, this is his 3rd season as a professional player and he hopes to qualify for the Challenge Tour.
In his final round, Clark Dennis shot a 5 under-par 67 with 1 eagle, 4 birdies and 1 bogey finishing tied for 2nd. Dennis turned professional in 1986 and has played on the Nationwide Tour, on the PGA Tour, and currently plays on the Legends Tour as well as the Champions Tour. He was very pleased with his result this week in preparation for `his participation in the Senior PGA Championship in a few weeks.
Final Round-
Markus Brier, winner of the 30th Gösser Open, earned € 6,162.50. There was a three-way tied for second place at 16 under-par that included, Clark Dennis, Andrea Saracino and Lukas Lipold.
For the Final Round leaderboard click here or go on the official Alps Tour Golf app
The Alps Tour returns to the Northern part of Italy for the 9th event of the season. The event is scheduled from May 25thuntil May 27th at Golf Club La Pinetina in Como, Italy for the 2022 Memorial Giorgio Bordoni.
Tournament Promoter-
The promoter of this week’s tournament is the Murhof Gruppe. They own various golf courses throughout Austria that include this week’s venue.
The sponsors and partners of Murhof Gruppe are Gösser Beer, Region Graz, Lipizzaner Heimat- Steiermark, Austrian Golf Federation, the city of Maria Lankowitz Wallfahrtsort Freizeitparadies and Steiermärkische Sparkasse. Their media partners are: Gepa Pictures, Antenne Steiermark, Kleine Zeitung.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android)
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13th May 2022 | Alps Tour Golf
Austria’s Lukas Lipold leads entering the Final Round at the 30th Gösser Open.
Graz, May 13th 2022- An overcast day with a comfortable temperature allowed the players in the morning wave of Round 2 at the 30th Gösser Open to have perfect scoring conditions. The afternoon wave had a mix of rain, overcast and some sunshine for their round. The event is being played in the Western part of the state of Styria at Golf Club Erzherzog Johann in Maria Lankowitz, its host since 2000.
At the conclusion of the second round, Austria’s Lukas Lipold leads the field with a two-day total of 14 under-par and a stellar 9 under-par in today’s round. Tied for second place, 3 shots back of the lead, there are two Legends Tour player’s: American Clark Dennis and Austrian Markus Brier. At 10 under-par, 4 shots from the lead, there are two compatriots, Stefano Mazzoli and Andrea Saracino.
Round 2 Leader Quotes-
Austria’s Lukas Lipold who turned professional at the end of 2019 had the lowest round of the day and is leading by 4 shots entering the final round of the 30th Gösser Open. His round today, included 6 birdies, 2 eagles and a single bogey for a 9 under-par round, 63. Lipold was very pleased after the round and did not expect to play as well due to an ongoing injury. After his round, he happily commented: “This round comes at a pretty unexpected time as I had to take a break before this tournament due to an injury which is still ongoing. Today things just worked out for me. I 3-putted on 17 and then was able to bounce back immediately which got the momentum going.” Lipold’s 2 eagles today included a hole out on the 4th hole: “I eagled Hole 1 which was a kickstarted for me. Then the eagle on the 4th was the icing on the cake when I holed out my pitching wedge from 135m.” He feels very blessed to be in contention entering the final round and is focused on having a good finish at this tournament to see what happens next.
American Legends Tour player, Clark Dennis had a bogey-free 6 under-par round today for an overall 11 under-par and 3 shots back of the lead. Dennis turned professional in 1986 and has played on the Nationwide Tour, on the PGA Tour, and currently plays on the Legends Tour as well as the Champions Tour. Dennis commented “I played very solid so far this week. This is a very fun event being able to play with the younger generation and would love to see more events like this.” He also mentioned, “On courses like this week, that are shorter and tighter having the experience us Legends Tour players definitely helps. I was able to use my experience and place my shots to put together a good round.” Dennis is satisfied with the week so far, especially being able to get some good competitive reps in as he is preparing to play in the Senior PGA Championship in a few weeks.
Markus Brier, from Austria, one of the five Legends Tour players competing this week shot a 6 under-par, bogey-free round for an overall 11 under-par and 3 shots back of his compatriot’s lead. Brier, turned professional in 1995 and is a multiple winner on the Challenge Tour and on the European Tour. Brier has some previous experience on this golf course, “I’ve played this event many times and know this course well, that is one of the reasons why I’m playing this week.” He is grateful to his short game for his good scoring so far, “My putter and short game have been amazing, I haven’t missed any short putts and made good recovery when I was in trouble. I don’t hit it very long but thanks to my short game I’m able to be competitive with the younger guys.”
Andrea Saracino of Italy, had a wonderful bogey-free 6 under-par round 66 for an overall 10 under-par for the tournament and 4 shots back of Lukas Lipold’s lead. When Saracino completed his round, he was happy especially with the weather in his draw, “My long game was very solid which allowed me to hit a lot of shots close and have birdie chances. I was very lucky with the draw and happy to have taken advantage. Saracino hopes to earn his Challenge Tour card back by finishing in the Top 5 Alps Tour Order of Merit at the end of the season, therefore his goal is to have a good finish this week.
Italy’s Stefano Mazzoli, had 6 birdies and 1 bogey in his round and is also 4 shots back of the lead. Mazzoli’s last win comes at the 2022 Ein Bay Open and is currently second in the Alps Tour Order of Merit. He has been playing consitent this entire tournament and was happy with his round today to get back in contention. “I was mentally at ease today compared to yesterday and that helped me shot a lower score. I’ve been playing well all week but struggling with my green reading.” Mazzoli is looking “forward to another positive round tomorrow and hope it won’t rain a lot. I will focus on my strategy of placing my tee shots to have a lot of birdie opportunities.”
Tournament Promoter-
This week’s event is promoted by the Murhof Gruppe. They own various golf courses throughout Austria including this week’s venue. The sponsors and partners of Murhof Gruppe are Gösser Beer, Region Graz, Lipizzaner Heimat- Steiermark, Austrian Golf Federation, the city of Maria Lankowitz Wallfahrtsort Freizeitparadies and Steiermärkische Sparkasse. Their media partners are: Gepa Pictures, Antenne Steiermark, Kleine Zeitung.
The Final Round-
The Final Round of the 30th Gösser Open, will begin tomorrow morning at 8:30 from hole 1 and 10. The final group will tee off at 9:47 from hole 1. The winner of the 30th Gösser Open will earn 6,525 Order of Merit points.
A total of 48 professional players made the cut which was set at -4.
For the complete Round 2 leaderboard click here or go on the official Alps Tour Golf app.
Follow along on www.alpstourgolf.com or the official “Alps Tour Golf” app to keep up on all the latest news (available on App Store for iOS devices and Play Store for Android)
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