.jpg)
The Japanese rising star capped a breakthrough spring with a composed victory in Austria.
Kota Kaneko claimed his first victory on the DP World Tour after winning the Austrian Alpine Open 2026 by two shots.
The 23-year-old earned his DP World Tour status by topping last season’s Japan Golf Tour Order of Merit and has quickly adapted to life in Europe. After opening the week with three consecutive rounds of 65, Kaneko held his nerve on Sunday despite a lengthy weather delay and late pressure from the chasing pack.
The key moment came at the par-three 16th, where Kaneko chipped in for birdie after briefly losing his share of the lead. From there, he held off Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and American Davis Bryant to secure the biggest win of his career.
“I still can’t believe it. I didn’t think I would win and I’m very surprised,” Kaneko said afterward.
The victory continues a remarkable rise for the Japanese talent and confirms him as one of the breakthrough stars of the 2026 DP World Tour season.