One of the Treasure State’s top young golfers, set to participate in the British Open in July, is sharing his experience in hopes of building the next generation of great golfing pros from Montana.
ANACONDA, Mont. — It’s not every day that a Montanan drive, chips, and putts his way into one of golf’s four majors. But maybe, with a little help, it can become a more regular occurrence.
At least, that’s the hope for Ryggs Johnston, hoping to impart some of his own championship-winning knowledge on the Treasure State’s next generation of golfers.
From his four consecutive high school state titles at Libby, to a Pac-12 team championship with Arizona State, to last December’s victory in the Australian Open, it’s become evident what Johnston can do with a golf club in his hands.
But on Wednesday at Anaconda’s Old Works, Johnston instead put the club in the hands of aspiring junior golfers and said, “show me what you got.”
“It’s something I feel like I didn’t have much of growing up, a kind of role model or someone to help me through junior golf,” Johnston said. “It kind of felt like I was on my own. So, I want to be able to be someone these kids can look up to, ask questions, and learn from… and hopefully follow and do better things than I’m doing.”
With the help of Montana State standouts Cora and Hannah Rosanova, Johnston’s Future Phenoms camp aims to provide teens with the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to go from good to great.
It’s all the same stuff that’s allowed Johnston to parlay his start in little Libby, Montana, into a chance to show the world what he’s got at the British Open next month.
“I think it just shows in itself that anything’s possible, as long as you work hard, believe in yourself, and surround yourself with people that believe in you,” Johnston said. “Who would have thought that I would be playing in The Open? And it’s possible for any of [these junior golfers] too.”
As Johnston prepares for the biggest tournament of his life, maintaining the mentality he teaches is more meaningful than ever.
“It’s just the normal stuff,” Johnston said. “I’m going to be playing in three tournaments before The Open–I actually leave Saturday for Italy.”
“I’ll just try to get better every day, and hopefully, the game comes around at the right time,” Johnston continued.
We’ll see if Johnston can do Montana proud when The Open tees off from Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland on July 17.