Straka and Steinlechner Shine on Opening Day of Austrian Alpine Open in Kitzbühel

"Mit dem Score bin ich ganz zufrieden. Aber hoffentlich kann ich es mir in den nächsten Tagen leichter machen," Straka said after his round.

The 33-year-old was the first of 14 Austrian Golf Federation (ÖGV) players to tee off, starting at 7:50 a.m. alongside German defending champion Nicolai von Dellingshausen and South African Casey Jarvis.

"Mit dem Titelverteidiger sollte es ziemlich Spaß machen. Und es ist Österreich gegen Deutschland," Straka said.

Straka, currently ranked 18th in the world with four PGA Tour victories, acknowledged the unique atmosphere of playing at home. "Es war ein super Support, das hat mir wahrscheinlich am Anfang auch ein bisschen geholfen," he said.

Home Support and Course Challenges

The tournament, which carries a total prize purse of 2.75 million US dollars, is expected to draw up to 40,000 spectators. The winner will receive 400,000 euros.

Among those watching Straka play were snowboarder Jakob Dusek, luge athletes Jonas Müller and Thomas Steu, and ski Olympic champion Leonhard Stock.

The course features several challenging holes, including the par-3 7th, nicknamed "Mausefalle" after the famous Streif downhill ski run. Golfers must hit over a small gorge on this signature hole.

Straka commented on the steep terrain reminiscent of the ski slope. "Es ist so steil hier. Es war ziemlich gut, den Ball fliegen zu sehen," he said. He added that he can ski but rarely does so due to the risk of injury.

Tournament Details

The Austrian Alpine Open continues through the weekend, with daily tickets priced at 39 euros on weekdays and 59 euros on Saturday and Sunday. A tournament pass costs 135 euros, while a VIP day ticket is available for 780 euros.

A special grandstand for 1,500 spectators has been erected at the 7th green to accommodate the crowds expected to follow the home favorites.