Ryan Fox Wins 154th British Open with Dramatic Final-Hole Birdie
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox captured his first major championship after securing victory at the 154th British Open with a birdie on the final hole at Royal Birkdale.
The 39-year-old finished the tournament at 10-under-par, carding a final-round 68 to claim the prestigious Claret Jug by a single stroke ahead of American golfer Cameron Young.
Memorable Finish Seals Historic Victory
Fox delivered a composed performance during the closing stages of the tournament, making birdies on the 13th, 14th, 16th, and 18th holes to move into the lead and secure the biggest win of his professional career.
Speaking after the victory, Fox said he was overwhelmed by the achievement and shared that his children had asked him to bring home a trophy, making the moment even more special.
Strong Comeback After Slow Start
Fox began the tournament quietly and was tied for 52nd after the opening two rounds. However, he surged back into contention with an outstanding third-round score of 62, matching one of the lowest single-round scores ever recorded in a men’s major championship.
His impressive weekend performance set up a dramatic final day and ultimately earned him his maiden major title.
New Zealand Celebrates Another Major Champion
With the victory, Ryan Fox became only the third golfer from New Zealand to win a men’s major championship, joining Bob Charles, who won the British Open in 1964, and Michael Campbell, who claimed the U.S. Open in 2005.
Cameron Young Finishes Runner-Up
American golfer Cameron Young mounted an impressive final-round challenge, climbing the leaderboard with an excellent front nine before finishing at 9-under-par.
A late bogey on the final hole prevented him from forcing a playoff, leaving him one stroke behind the champion.
Other Leading Performers
Sam Burns entered the final round as the tournament leader but slipped to third place after several early bogeys.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finished tied for fourth after a mixed final round, while England’s Tommy Fleetwood also shared fourth place following a strong closing performance.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy ended the championship at 1-under-par, while Bryson DeChambeau finished at 4-under-par.
Ryan Fox’s victory marks the biggest achievement of his golfing career and secures his place among New Zealand’s most successful golfers on the international stage.
