Golf professionals kick off Austrian Alpine Open in Kitzbühel
Golf professionals, including Sepp Straka, launched the Austrian Alpine Open in Kitzbühel with two side events. Participants teed off from the famous Streif slope during the day, followed by a charity gala in the evening.
The Austrian Alpine Open in Kitzbühel commenced with two special events on Tuesday. Austrian golf star Sepp Straka, alongside defending champion Nicolai von Dellingshausen and local player Maximilian Steinlechner, teed off from the summit of the renowned Streif ski slope. A closest-to-the-pin challenge, dubbed "Nearest to the Mausefalle," was held, with von Dellingshausen winning by landing his ball just 3.01 meters from the hole.
In the evening, the golf pros attended the "Austrian Alpine Open Night" at the VIP club of Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith golf course. The event was attended by 350 guests, including numerous sports celebrities such as Olympic champions Leonhard Stock, Stephan Eberharter, and Felix Gottwald, World Championship gold medalist Stephanie Venier, and German tennis stars Tommy Haas and Philipp Kohlschreiber. Actors Hans Sigl and Mark Keller also made an appearance.
A charity auction benefiting the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation was a highlight of the evening, humorously hosted by comedian Matze Knop. Heidi and Joel Beckenbauer were present, expressing delight at the significant sum raised. Organizers described the event as a successful fusion of a social highlight and a charitable cause.
Sepp Straka expressed his enthusiasm for playing in his home country again. "It's very special for me to play in Austria for the first time in eight years. It's something new to be in the spotlight like this, but I'm looking forward to it very much," Straka stated. Further fundraising activities are planned throughout the tournament week.