Ryan Fox Wins 2026 Open With Dramatic 18th‑Hole Birdie
His aggressive decision on the 18th capped a late comeback that delivers the Claret Jug, multi‑year PGA Tour exemptions, major invitations, and a defining late‑career breakthrough
Overview
- Fox holed a roughly 12‑foot birdie putt on the 18th at Royal Birkdale to finish one shot ahead of Cameron Young and claim his first major title.
- He mounted a late surge that included four birdies in the final six holes and an eye‑catching third‑round 62 that set up his charge to the top.
- Speaking after the win, Fox said he told his caddie on the 18th tee that he would go for birdie and accept the risk if the shot failed.
- Justin Thomas privately messaged Fox advising him to 'remember every little detail' of the moment, a piece of veteran advice Fox singled out in post‑win interviews.
- At 39, Fox becomes one of the older first‑time major winners, a milestone that rewards years on global tours, underscores his prior mental‑health struggles, and reshapes his status on the PGA Tour and in international team selection.