Ryan Fox Wins Open Championship: Surreal Winning Putt 2026

Ryan Fox won the 154th Open Championship with a surreal putt on the 18th hole, describing how his hands were shaking as he secured the victory. The New Zealand golfer became the first from his country to win the Open since Bob Charles in 1963, finishing at 10-under-par to beat Cameron Young by one stroke.

Ryan Fox's Dramatic Open Championship Victory

Fox carded a final-round 68 to claim his first major title. His birdie putt on the final hole was a moment of pure drama, as he admitted he had no sensation in his hands. “You can’t feel your hands, I know that,” Fox said. “My focus with the putter all day was, just take a really deep breath before I hit it and just try to hit a line and I did that on 18. I was shaking. I was just trying to get it up there near the hole.”

How the Winning Putt Unfolded

Fox’s inward half of 34 included two birdies in the last three holes. He told his caddie on the 18th tee, “Dean, we’re going to try to win this.” After hitting two perfect shots, the putt that followed was anything but controlled. “My hands were all over the place,” Fox said. “I was just trying to get it towards the hole somewhere. It’s surreal that it went in.”

Key Moments in Fox's Open Win

Fox's Emotional Reaction

Fox, the son of All Black rugby legend Grant Fox, had never recorded a major top-10 finish before this and missed the cut in the 2025 Open. “You dream of this moment,” he said. “I don’t know whether I ever thought it was going to become a reality. Now it is and to have my name etched in the history of the game is pretty awesome. I think it’s pretty awesome for New Zealand as well.”

Key Takeaways from Ryan Fox's Win

• First New Zealander to win the Open since Bob Charles in 1963
• Winning putt was a 10-foot birdie on the 18th hole
• Final score: 68, 10-under-par total
• Beat Cameron Young by one stroke
• First major title for Fox

FAQ