After teeing off on the Streif, golf stars shone at the Austrian Alpine Open Night in Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel, 27 May 2026. – The Austrian Alpine Open presented by Kitzbühel – Tirol kicked off on Tuesday with two side events! In the afternoon, under perfect weather conditions, Austria’s top golfer Sepp Straka, last year’s winner Nicolai von Dellingshausen, and local Tyrolean hero Maximilian Steinlechner teed off from the starting house of the Streif on the world’s most famous downhill ski run. In an entertaining “Nearest to the Mausefalle” competition, von Dellingshausen secured a German victory with a shot of 3.01 meters, ahead of Steinlechner (5.53 m) and Straka (12.33 m). Matthias Schwab, playing as a “pioneer” outside the competition, even managed to get the ball within 2.85 meters of the flag.

In the evening, the golf aces made their next appearance at the Austrian Alpine Open Night in the VIP Club at the Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course. 350 guests accepted the invitation from tournament organizer Edwin Weindorfer—among them were Olympic champions Leonhard Stock, Stephan Eberharter, and Felix Gottwald, Super-G World Champion Stephanie Venier, and German tennis stars Tommy Haas and Philipp Kohlschreiber, representing a host of prominent sports figures. Actor Hans Sigl, known for his role as the “Bergdoktor,” and Mark Keller added an acting touch to the evening, which was also dedicated to a good cause.

An auction, humorously hosted by comedian Matze Knop, was held in support of the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation. Much to the delight of Heidi and Joel Beckenbauer, who were in attendance, a substantial amount was raised, which will be increased by further fundraising efforts throughout the tournament week.

Sepp Straka, who is always extremely friendly, shook countless hands at the Open Night, posed for every selfie request, and emphasized once again during his appearance on stage how much he was looking forward to his home tournament. “The fact that I’m playing in Austria again for the first time in eight years is something very special. It’s a new experience for me to be in the spotlight like this at this tournament, but I’m really looking forward to it,” said Straka.