Ryan Fox Makes History with Thrilling Open Championship Victory at Royal Birkdale

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has etched his name into sporting history after claiming the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in England. In a gripping final round on 19 July 2026, Fox secured the title by a single stroke, finishing with a final round 68 and a tournament total of 270. The victory makes him only the third New Zealander to win a major golf championship, following in the footsteps of Sir Bob Charles and Michael Campbell. Fox started the final day trailing overnight leader Sam Burns but mounted a late charge with four birdies in his final six holes. After a par on the 17th, Fox required a birdie on the 18th hole to avoid a playoff with American Cameron Young, who had posted a clubhouse lead of nine under par earlier in the day. Fox delivered a world-class approach shot before sinking a 20-foot birdie putt to seal the victory. Speaking to television crews after his win, Fox described the moment as a dream come true, noting that his nerves were "all over the place" as he stood over the final putt. Former US Open winner Michael Campbell, speaking to RNZ’s Morning Report, praised Fox’s grit and determination. Campbell described the final two shots on the 18th as "world-class," noting that Fox had to chase down the leaders to win. Campbell, who has known Fox since he turned professional, said the achievement ranks among New Zealand's greatest sporting moments and hailed Fox as the "champion golfer of the year." Fox’s path to the Claret Jug was bolstered by a record-equalling round of 62 on Saturday, which moved him firmly into contention. Despite the pressure of a tightly-bunched leaderboard alongside the Irish Sea, Fox remained composed to finish ahead of Young in second and Burns in third.