Ryan Fox Wins Open Championship, Hands Shaking on Winning Putt 2026

Ryan Fox won the 154th Open Championship in dramatic fashion, sinking a birdie putt on the final hole while his hands were shaking uncontrollably. The New Zealander shot a final-round 68 to reach 10 under par, edging Cameron Young by one stroke. This victory makes him the first Kiwi to lift the Claret Jug since Bob Charles in 1963.

Fox's Surreal Winning Putt

Standing over the putt on the 18th green, Fox admitted he had no feeling in his hands. “You can’t feel your hands, I know that,” he said. “I was shaking. I was just trying to get it up there near the hole. It looked pretty straight and thankfully it dived in that left edge. It’s crazy.” His caddie Dean helped him stay focused, and Fox described the moment as “surreal.”

How Fox's Final Round Unfolded

The son of All Black legend Grant Fox played a steady inward nine of 34, with birdies on the 16th and 18th holes. Earlier, he told his caddie he felt surprisingly calm. The key was a deep breath before each putt. “I said to my caddie through six or eight holes: ‘I feel a lot better than I thought I would feel right now,’” Fox recalled.

Historic Win for New Zealand Golf

Fox’s victory is being celebrated across New Zealand as a landmark moment for the sport. “I think it’s pretty awesome for New Zealand as well. It’s going to be big down there,” he said. The country now has two Open champions, Bob Charles and Ryan Fox, both left-handed putters.

Key Takeaways from the 154th Open

• Ryan Fox became the first New Zealander in 61 years to win the Open.
• His winning putt was struck with trembling hands, yet found the hole.
• Fox’s previous best major result was a missed cut in 2025.
• The final round featured a one-stroke victory over Cameron Young.

What This Means for Fox's Career

Before this week, Fox had never recorded a top-10 finish in a major. Now he has the Claret Jug and a place in history. “You dream of this moment. I don’t know whether I ever thought it was going to become a reality,” he said. The win will likely propel him into the world top 50 and secure exemptions for future majors.

FAQ

The 154th Open Championship will be remembered for Fox’s surreal, shaky putt that secured a historic victory. For more golf coverage, stay tuned to GrandGoldman.