Jon Woitas Wins The 2026 International Open

Myrtle Beach, S.C. — Championship Sunday delivered everything fans could have hoped for and more as Jon Woitas outlasted a stacked leaderboard to claim victory at the 2026 International Open, securing the first major championship of his career in dramatic fashion.

Entering the final round tied atop the leaderboard with rising star Dustin Andrychuk, Woitas knew the margin for error was razor thin. What followed was a gritty, back-and-forth battle across the sun-soaked Myrtle Beach fairways — a true test of composure, patience, and championship resolve. While others surged and stumbled, Woitas stayed steady under pressure, making clutch shots when it mattered most to separate himself late and hoist the trophy.

With the win, Woitas now owns one major championship and one signature event victory, officially cementing his place among the game’s elite. He joins an exclusive group of major champions that includes his wife Rachael (the reigning 2025 Harvest Cup Major Champion), David Dach, Zachary Janes, and Brian Bettac — a club that continues to define the modern era of the PGL.

The moment was made even more special on the 18th green, where Brian Bettac was waiting to welcome Woitas into the prestigious major champions circle. The two shared a celebratory embrace and later posed for photos together, marking a weekend that will live long in tournament lore.

Back home, Rachael Woitas — preparing to welcome the couple’s first child — celebrated the victory from afar, making the triumph all the more emotional and meaningful for the new champion.

While David Dach and Zachary Janes declined to comment on Woitas’ breakthrough win, the respect around the tour was undeniable.

Woitas is expected to take some time away from competitive play in the coming months, but fans shouldn’t wait too long for his return — with early indications pointing toward a comeback at the 2026 Sicamous Invitational.

Andrychuk Shows Class in Defeat

Despite coming up just short, Dustin Andrychuk continued to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with in only his second major appearance.

“Conditions were prime all week. I couldn’t convert my opportunity today, but this is just the start of the season and I’ll be looking to bounce back big time.”

A composed and confident response from a player many believe will be lifting trophies sooner rather than later.

Leaderboard Shakeups & Statement Performances

The final round brought fireworks across the board:

Kenton Maschmeyer surged past Alex Woitas late in the day to claim solo 3rd, continuing his strong season momentum.

Jon Shapka delivered one of the rounds of the tournament, charging up the leaderboard to take solo 4th — and dominating the Myrtle Match Play event with a stunning 6&5 win over Andrychuk. Fans called it a blowout, with pressure clearly mounting on Dustin as Shapka caught fire.

Alex Woitas snapped his streak of runner-up finishes with a solid 5th place showing.

when asked about how he felt he said:

“i love 5th place” – see bottom of story for photo proof.

Meanwhile, newcomers made their presence felt:

Mike Serna (6th) and Justin Lopushinsky (7th) impressed in their first-ever PGL events and left Myrtle Beach hungry for more.

Serna summed it up perfectly after the round:

“It was a great event and we had great support all week from the locals. My favorite part was laying a beat down on my brother.”
(His brother finished 12th — bragging rights secured.)

Veterans and fan favorites rounded out the standings:

Richard Woitas (8th) outplayed former International Open champion Brian Bettac in a strong weekend showing

Clark Melenka (9th) played steady and strong throughout

Brian Bettac (10th) — while partying all weekend — still managed a respectable finish

Jan Bettac (11th) and Brendin Serna (12th) are already refocused and preparing for the next stop on tour

One of the most inspiring moments of the weekend belonged to Marc Herman (13th), who — despite playing with a broken hand — managed to avoid last place in what many called a remarkable achievement of toughness.

Unfortunately, Brayden Malica (14th) rounded out the field, but showed flashes of potential in a tough championship test.

A Champion Crowned — A Season Ignited

The 2026 International Open will be remembered as the weekend Jon Woitas officially arrived on the biggest stage. From battling toe-to-toe with Andrychuk to lifting his first major trophy among friends, family, and fierce competitors, it was a victory built on grit and heart.