Ryan Fox has won the 154th Open Championship, sinking a dramatic birdie putt on the 18th to avoid a play-off with Cameron Young, writes Ross Parry at Royal Birkdale.
The New Zealander carded a two-under-par final round to reach a score of 270 (-10).
His approach shot on the 18th hole was placed to just under 12 feet. He converted this chance with a tricky putt to win the competition, which dropped in on the left edge of the cup.
Fox revealed the way he tackled the 18th hole was the best golf he has played in his life.
The 2026 Champion golfer said: “Yeah, definitely the first part. I mean, I hit two shots exactly how I wanted to hit them.
“I didn’t feel anything for the putt; everything was shaking that much.
“I was just happy to hit it somewhat near the hole, and to see it go in was incredible.”
His excellent approach play came as no surprise. Fox is tied first in the NTT data this week for chances inside 20 feet (31).
Saturday’s performance demonstrated the level that his approach play is at right now.
He ranked third in the field on moving day for greens in regulation, on his way to shooting 62 to equal the lowest round in men’s major history.
This is the Kwi’s first major, which he has achieved aged 39 and whilst ranked at 56th in the Official World Golf rankings.
His best previous finish at a major was 16th place at the 2019 Open Championship.
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The popular Southport-born player carded a respectable two-under-par in his closing round at Birkdale. He finished in a tie for fourth place (-7).
The Englishman’s round started with a surge of three birdies on the first eight holes.
However, this rally was shortly cancelled out by three successive bogeys on the ninth, tenth and eleventh holes.
Scottie Scheffler unable to retain the Claret Jug
The world number one was unable to retain the trophy which he won by four shots at Royal Portrush last year.
His final round of three-under-par saw him fall short of Ryan Fox by three shots, finishing in a tie for fourth place.
However, this is a swift recovery in performance for the American, who missed the cut at the Scottish Open earlier this month.
Round of the day not enough for Cameron Young
The eye catching score of the day went to Cameron Young, who shot -6 in his final round.
Despite setting the clubhouse lead early on, and having to pass time on the practise range, Young missed out on a potential playoff with Ryan Fox by one shot.
This was the final men’s major on the rota for the season. The 155th Open will be hosted at St Andrews in 2027.
(Featured image credit: The R&A)
