FOX SEALS MEMORABLE OPEN WIN WITH DRAMATIC FINISH
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox with the Claret Jug after winning The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. (Photo: Oisin Keniry/R&A/Getty)
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox produced one of the most memorable finishes in Open Championship history by birdieing the final hole to win the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale and claim the first Major title of his career.
The 39-year-old held his nerve under immense pressure, carding a closing two-under-par 68 to finish on 10-under 270, edging American Cameron Young by a single shot after a thrilling final-round battle. Overnight leader Sam Burns faded after a difficult start, eventually finishing two strokes behind the winner.
Fox's victory capped an extraordinary week on England's northwest coast, where he recovered from an opening-round 72 before surging into contention with rounds of 68, a record-equalling third-round 62 and Sunday's composed finish. His birdie on the demanding 18th secured the Claret Jug and made him only the second New Zealander to win The Open since Sir Bob Charles lifted the trophy in 1963. He is the fourth Kiwi to win a Major alongside Michael Campbell, Lydia Ko and Charles.
"It doesn't feel real," Fox said after holing the winning putt. "I've dreamed about winning a major my whole life. To do it here at The Open, at Royal Birkdale, is incredibly special."
Fox admitted the closing moments were among the most nerve-racking of his career as he stood over the decisive putt.
"My hands were all over the place," he said. "I was shaking, but I just tried to take a deep breath, trust the line and make a good stroke. When it went in, it was pure relief."
"I said to my caddie, Dean (Smith), on the tee that we were going to take it on, that I was going to try to win the tournament, and I'd live with the consequences if I stuffed it up.”
“To be the Champion Golfer of the Year, it's unbelievable, surreal, crazy. I don't have enough words in my vocabulary to explain it.”
Sport is in Fox’s blood. His dad, Grant, is an All-Blacks legend who won the 1987 Rugby World Cup, while his grandad, Merv Wallace, captained New Zealand’s cricket team.
“I don't know if this tops their achievements, but it's certainly right up there,” added Fox. “I guess there's no pressure on my kids going forward now!”
Young, who had charged through the field with a superb final-round 64, spent more than two hours in the clubhouse believing a playoff might be enough. Instead, he watched Fox rise to the occasion with a fearless approach to the closing hole before calmly converting the winning birdie.
Burns, who began the day with a two-shot advantage, saw his hopes unravel with three bogeys in his opening four holes. Although he steadied himself on the inward nine, he was unable to recover the ground lost early in the round.
"I'm disappointed because I had a great opportunity," Burns said. "But Ryan played fantastic golf when it mattered most. He earned it."
Fox's triumph completed a remarkable rise for one of golf's late bloomers. After spending much of his career on the European circuit, he only established himself on the PGA Tour in recent seasons. Sunday's victory rewarded years of persistence and consistency, transforming him from respected professional into Major champion.
The New Zealander paid tribute to his family and supporters, many of whom stayed awake through the night back home to watch the closing stages.
"This means everything," Fox said. "There have been so many people who believed in me when things weren't easy. To bring the Claret Jug back to New Zealand is something I'm incredibly proud of."
Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy finished down the field with the former tied 28th on two-under after a closing 72. McIlroy was tied 40th on one-under after a 71.
Home favourite Tommy Fleetwod was left to rue three untimely bogeys in the middle of his round, and despite rallying with two late birdies, a 68 left him tied fourth on seven-under alongside world number on Scottie Scheffler (67).
Royal Birkdale once again provided a stern examination, especially with the baked and firm conditions due to the heatwave. Fox's composed back nine, and crucial birdies over the closing stretch, proved the difference in one of the championship's most dramatic conclusions.