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Ryan Fox Wins The Open After Dramatic 18th‑Hole Birdie

The 39-year-old New Zealander holed a 12-foot putt after a 9-iron approach to finish one shot clear, securing five years of PGA Tour status and invitations to the other majors.

Overview

  • Fox sealed the 154th Open with a 12-foot birdie on the 72nd hole, finishing 10‑under after a final-round 68 to beat Cameron Young by one stroke.
  • His victory followed a key sequence on the back nine in which a ricocheted tee shot into a bunker at the par-3 15th led to a bogey that he later called pivotal to his momentum.
  • Fox surged into contention with a record-tying 62 on Saturday and recovered from an opening 72, posting rounds of 72, 68, 62 and 68 across the tournament.
  • The win moves Fox up in standings, secures a five-year PGA Tour exemption and automatic major invitations, and boosts his Presidents Cup positioning for the International team.
  • The finish drew widespread praise from figures like Jack Nicklaus, spotlighted Fox’s very quick pace of play, and turned attention away from an earlier rules controversy involving Bryson DeChambeau.