King of the links: Ryan Fox birdies 18 to win historic Open Championship at Birkdale

19 hours ago 14

New Zealander claims one-stroke win over American Cameron Young

Published Jul 19, 2026 • 2 minute read

SOUTHPORT, England — There was the briefest of moments on the 72nd hole at Royal Birkdale when time seemed to stand still as Ryan Fox’s approach shot reached its apex and just hung in the air. Tens of thousands of people stared at the sky silently waiting to see whether the last bounce of the 154th Open Championship would be good or bad, lucky or unlucky.

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The first sounds were gasps, followed quickly by a roar, as the massive gallery surrounding the treacherous 18th green realized the shot was perfect. The burly New Zealander Fox had piped a drive down the middle, and hit a towering approach to 11 feet on one of the toughest closing holes on the Open rota with history hanging in the balance.

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All that was left to do was hole the putt. That brutal final part of the test had made or ruined the days of hackers and the careers of professionals. Despite all that was hanging in the balance, Fox stepped right up and poured it in the hole with a swiftness and steadiness that would have the links land greats of centuries past tipping their cap.

Fox’s closing birdie moved him to 10-under par, propelled him one stroke clear of American Cameron Young, and earned him the Claret Jug as the 154th Open Champion.

“I don’t really know what to think at the moment,” Fox said on the 18th green. “I’ve got a lot of people to thank. First of all, my family, my wife and kids are in Florida at the moment. I spoke to my kids last night, and they said, Bring back a trophy. I think this is a pretty cool one to bring back for them.”

“My family back in New Zealand and all my supporters back there, I know it’s been a long night for them, but I’m glad it was worthwhile.”

More to come …

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