BMW PGA, Golf Herren Championship 2025 Bernd Wiesberger on the 6th green during Round 2 at the BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England. 12/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Steve Flynn All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Steve Flynn Virgina Water Wenworth Club Surrey England Copyright: xStevexFlynnx *EDI*,
BMW PGA, Golf Herren Championship 2025 Bernd Wiesberger on the 6th green during Round 2 at the BMW PGA Championship, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England. 12/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Steve Flynn All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Steve Flynn Virgina Water Wenworth Club Surrey England Copyright: xStevexFlynnx *EDI*,
Bernd Wiesberger returns to his roots this week for the Austrian Alpine Open. The Ryder Cup veteran seeks to recapture the magic of his 2012 national title at a brand-new venue in Kitzbühel.
The 40-year-old spoke to the DP World Tour ahead of this week’s Austrian Alpine Open, marking his 15th appearance at his national open and 366th DP World Tour event. The tournament’s 32nd edition runs from May 28 to 31 at Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith.
"We've got a lot of cultures. A lot of countries in Europe and most of them have their own home opens," he said. "So, there is a lot of pride within the players to play and compete in their home opens."
He first played the Austrian Open as a 17-year-old amateur in 2002. A decade later, he won it, holing a long putt on the last hole at Diamond Country Club to seal a final-round charge he described as "six or seven under that day."
"There's not much that can beat winning your home open," he said. "It was a great experience to win in front of home fans, with family and friends watching. That makes it special."
He also credits former Austrian champion Markus Brier, a three-time national open winner, for showing a generation of Austrian golfers what was possible.
"It is important to have local role models and people that show the way," Wiesberger said.
He became the first Austrian to represent Team Europe in the Ryder Cup in 2021.
He ended a nearly five-year wait for a DP World Tour win at the Volvo China Open earlier this year, also securing his first major appearance since 2022 at the 2026 PGA Championship.
Bernd Wiesberger Returns to Kitzbühel in Form And With a New Course to Figure Out
The Austrian Alpine Open 2026 marks the tournament’s first visit to Kitzbühel, where Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith has been set up as a 6,822-yard par 70.
At roughly 800 meters above sea level, the course forces players to adjust for longer ball flight.
Wiesberger also took a full week off after the PGA Championship to prepare for a course he had never played on.
"I don't know the golf course, but it's a world-famous ski town, and they're great at organising sports events," he said. "I'm excited to see a new venue on the DP World Tour and for our national open."
Wiesberger will be joined by fellow Austrian golfers Sepp Straka and Maximilian Steinlechner, while defending champion Nicolai von Dellingshausen also returns to Kitzbühel.
Trending slideshow: Youngest and Oldest Record-Breakers in DP World Tour History
Dolly Bhamrick
Youngest and Oldest Record-Breakers in DP World Tour HistoryGolf ignores age; it demands only skill, nerve, and determination. The DP World Tour has witnessed 12-year-old prodigies making history and 70-year-olds defying the odds to contend. From Matteo Manassero’s teenage triumphs to Bob Charles’ remarkable cut at 71 and Phil Mickelson’s record-shattering major win at 50, these legends prove that greatness transcends years; it’s defined by courage. PCN Photography/ImagoAt 17 years and 18 days, Matteo Manassero became the youngest professional to make a cut on the DP World Tour at the 2010 BMW Italian Open at Royal Park I Roveri, a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design. Already a former amateur champion at 16, Manassero’s calm poise earned him instant recognition. His early success laid the foundation for a celebrated career, marking him as one of Italy’s finest young golfers. Daniel Swee via IMAGO / Action PlusAt 74 years and 211 days, Arnold Palmer became the oldest player ever to compete in a European Tour event, making his farewell appearance at the 2004 Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Although the Masters is officially a PGA Tour event, it is credited as a European Tour event as well due to co-sanctioning. Palmer’s presence was electric, a living link to golf’s golden age. His participation wasn’t about the leaderboard but about legacy, reminding fans that charisma, class, and connection outlast any swing speed. USGA/John MummertSir Bob Charles, at 71 years and 261 days, became the oldest player to make the cut on the DP World Tour during the 2008 Michael Hill New Zealand Open. A trailblazing lefty and 1963 Open Champion, Charles demonstrated how mastery and precision can rival youth, crafting one of golf’s most inspiring displays of endurance and timeless skill. IMAGO/ Icon SportswireAt just 17 years and 1 day, Dominic Foos made his professional debut at the 2014 Omega European Masters in Crans-Montana, becoming one of the youngest professionals to compete in a DP World Tour event. A rising star in German golf, Foos’s smooth swing and composed demeanor garnered comparisons to established players. He went on to become the youngest winner in European Challenge Tour history, winning the 2015 Gant Open at 17 years and 347 days, cementing his reputation as one of golf’s most promising young talents. IMAGO/ Andreas GoraAt just 14 years and 169 days old, Guan Tian-lang became the youngest player ever to make a cut in a major championship, accomplishing this feat at the 2013 Masters Tournament. Playing alongside legends such as Ben Crenshaw, Guan demonstrated poise well beyond his age, even receiving a slow-play penalty that didn’t unsettle him. His composure and precision captivated fans worldwide, making him a global symbol of youthful brilliance in golf. Guan’s remarkable achievement broke the previous record held by Matteo Manassero, who made a major cut at 16 years and 2 months. IMAGO/ DreamstimeWhen Ye Wo-Cheng teed it up at the 2013 Volvo China Open, he was just 12 years and 242 days old, becoming the youngest player ever to compete in a European Tour event. A member of China’s next generation of golfing talent, Ye followed in the footsteps of Guan Tian-lang. Although he missed the cut, his historic debut marked a turning point, showcasing how Asia’s young golfers were prepared to challenge the sport’s traditional powerhouses. IMAGO / ImaginechinaJust months after making his first professional cut, Matteo Manassero stunned the golf world by winning the 2010 Castelló Masters Costa Azahar at Club de Campo del Mediterráneo at 17 years and 188 days old. This victory made him the youngest winner in DP World Tour history, surpassing previous records and defying expectations. Manassero’s triumph was no stroke of luck; it showcased his composure, intelligence, and exceptional golfing talent, solidifying his place in the record books. Colin Read via IMAGO/ Action PlusAt 50 years and 341 days, Phil Mickelson defied time and expectations by winning the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course. Competing against players half his age, Mickelson’s victory became one of golf’s greatest underdog stories. His precision, creativity, and seasoned focus redefined what’s possible beyond 50, proving age is no barrier when greatness shines through. He set the record as the oldest major championship winner, surpassing Julius Boros, who was 48 years, 4 months, and 18 days old when he won the 1968 PGA Championship. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY SportsKnown for his trademark cigar, wine, and stretching routines, Jiménez personifies longevity and joy in the game. His win wasn’t just about records; it was about passion, proving that experience and love for the sport can still outshine raw youth. This victory extended his own record as the first player over 50 to triumph on the European Tour, achieved after his 27th attempt at his home national championship. The 2014 win was his 21st European Tour title and underscored his enduring competitiveness and unique character. IMAGO / Andreas Gora
