Ryan Fox, a 39-year-old from New Zealand, has claimed his first major title at The 154th Open Championship held at Royal Birkdale. Fox maintained composure amidst challenging conditions on Sunday afternoon, ultimately securing the Claret Jug. His final round score of 68 placed him one stroke ahead of American Cameron Young.
The final day of the tournament was marked by intense competition, with four players, including Fox, Young, American Sam Burns, and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim, holding the lead at various points. World number one Scottie Scheffler and English favourite Tommy Fleetwood also made strong pushes for the title.
Decisive final hole performance
Fox’s victory was sealed with a crucial birdie on the 18th hole. Despite the par-four 18th yielding only four birdies throughout the day, Fox executed a 330-yard tee-shot into the fairway. He then followed with an approach shot from 175 yards to the green, sinking an 11-foot putt to secure the championship.
Reflecting on the moment, Fox described the putt as a mix of enjoyment and intense nerves. He stated that he had told his caddie on the tee that he intended to win the tournament, willing to accept the consequences if the attempt failed. This approach exemplified his unflustered style of play.
Fox, who began the tournament as a 100-1 outsider, made a significant comeback after an opening round of 72 left him seven strokes behind the leader and in joint 85th place. A second-round 68 moved him to tied 52nd, and an eight-under 62 on Saturday, which tied the record for the lowest round at a men’s major, propelled him into contention. This comeback marks the largest by position after 36 holes in major championship history. He is also the lowest-ranked Open champion since Darren Clarke in 2011.
Young’s near miss and Fleetwood’s home support
Cameron Young, who finished second, had set a target of nine under par after his final round of 64. He had hoped this score would be sufficient to secure the win. Young’s round was played in lighter wind conditions earlier in the day, and he nearly achieved a record-equalling round of 62. However, a bogey on the 18th hole, where his drive found a fairway bunker, ultimately impacted his chances.
Young attributed his shortfall to a one-over 73 on Saturday, suggesting he could have won even without his best performance on that day. He was preparing for a potential play-off when the celebratory cheers from the 18th green confirmed Fox’s victory.
Local favourite Tommy Fleetwood, despite strong crowd support, was unable to secure his first major title at his home Open. He moved within one shot of the lead at one point on Sunday, fueled by the energy of thousands of fans. However, three consecutive bogeys on the ninth, 10th, and 11th holes dashed his hopes of a home victory. Fleetwood acknowledged an over-zealous approach on the ninth as a mistake.
Despite the setback, Fleetwood received a rapturous reception as he walked down the 18th fairway, acknowledging the crowd’s support. He finished tied for fourth place alongside Scottie Scheffler, closing his round with a birdie on the final hole.
Family sporting legacy
Fox’s victory adds to a rich sporting legacy within his family. He is the son of Grant Fox, an All Black legend who helped win the 1987 Rugby World Cup and was once the team’s record points scorer. His grandfather, Merv Wallace, captained and coached the New Zealand cricket team.
Fox noted that he felt no pressure to follow in his family’s footsteps, but acknowledged that his achievement is a significant addition to their sporting history. He is the second New Zealander to win the Claret Jug, following Bob Charles‘ success in 1963.
The tournament found a deserving champion in Fox, whose calm and determined approach was evident throughout the event. His final round performance at Royal Birkdale capped a dramatically tight Open Championship.
Sam Burns, who led after 54 holes, finished third on eight-under-par, while Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood shared fourth place on seven-under-par.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
