2 June 2025  A New Era of Golf in AustriaThe Austrian Alpine Open, a new highlight on the DP World Tour, made its successful debut in 2025 – marking the first appearance of the tournament under this name, while continuing a legacy that began with the Austrian Open 1990, which laid the foundation for international professional golf in Austria. From 29 May to 1 June, the Gut Altentann Golf Club near Salzburg—designed by Jack Nicklaus—hosted top international players in a scenic Alpine setting. Among the field of competitors, Nicolai von Dellingshausen from Germany emerged victorious with a confident performance and a total score of 19 under par. With around 18,000 spectators in attendance, the event marked Austria's return to the global golf stage after a four-year break. In 2026, the tournament will move to Kitzbühel, aiming to further boost its international appeal.In addition to the official trophy, Nicolai von Dellingshausen received a very special reward that reflects the region's cultural roots: a custom-made Lederhose, created specifically for the champion. The Lederhose: From Workwear to Cultural IconThe Lederhose, a durable and decorative pair of leather trousers, has been an essential element of Austrian wardrobe culture for centuries. Originally developed as practical workwear for farmers, foresters, and hunters, it was made from durable deerskin or goatskin to withstand the tough conditions of rural Alpine life. The Lederhose gained broader cultural prominence during the 18th and 19th centuries. By the mid-19th century, it had become fashionable among the Austrian aristocracy and bourgeoisie, with Emperor Franz Joseph I himself often depicted in festive Tracht, helping to elevate the garment's status.Behind the Seams: Making of the Salzburger LederhoseThe Lederhose for the Austrian Alpine Open winner is being made by Wimmer schneidert, a traditional family-run tailoring business located in Schleedorf, Salzburg. With a heritage dating back almost 300 years, the workshop is now under the leadership of Monika Ebner, the first woman to head the historic company. She brings a fresh yet respectful approach to tradition, combining heritage craftsmanship with understated elegance.Today, a new video (YouTube) by Tyrolean videographer Johannes Popp titled "Salzburger Lederhose für den Gewinner" was released, offering a rare glimpse into the intricate process of crafting the winning Lederhose. Shot on location in the Wimmer workshop, the film captures the delicate steps required to transform soft, traditionally tanned deerskin into a wearable work of art. In the video, Monika Ebner explains that production begins by selecting and cutting the main leather parts. An additional 40 smaller pieces are required for various structural and decorative elements. Around 2:50 minutes into the film, she highlights unique features of the Salzburger cut, distinguishing it from other regional styles. Signature Details: The Salzburger StyleSalzburg-style Lederhosen are known for their strong contrast between leather and embroidery—as seen in the pair created for Von Dellingshausen, which pairs dark leather with light stitching. Other regional markers include front trims that extend above the waistband and a distinctively rounded seam in the back, referred to in German as the Säcklernaht or Tellernaht. These details ensure each piece carries a recognizable Salzburg identity. A Trophy to WearIt will take approximately three months before Von Dellingshausen receives his completed Lederhose. When he does, he will not only own a symbol of athletic achievement but also a tangible piece of Austrian culture, made with precision, care, and tradition. Leo Bauernberger of SalzburgerLand Tourism emphasized that it was particularly important to the team that the winner of the Austrian Alpine Open receives a genuine and authentic souvenir of his triumph in SalzburgerLand—something truly representative of the region. A pair of handcrafted lederhosen is just that.
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