Ryan Fox wins The Open 2026 in a stunning display of golf, holding off the world number one and the Players champion to claim golf's oldest prize. This historic victory at Royal Liverpool cements Fox among the legends of the game, becoming just the fourth New Zealander to win a major championship.
How Ryan Fox Claimed the Claret Jug
Fox finished at 10-under par, one stroke ahead of Cameron Young and two clear of Sam Burns. The 18th hole, statistically the hardest of the week with a stroke average of 4.345, was birdied by Fox to seal the win. Only 27 birdies were recorded there all week, and just four on Sunday.
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Fox's final 36-hole total of 130 strokes equals the record set by Tom Watson (1977), Ian Baker-Finch (1991), Anders Forsbrand (1994), and Marc Leishman (2022). His aggressive play under pressure drew comparisons to his father Grant Fox winning the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
Final Leaderboard: The Open 2026
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Fox | -10 |
| 2 | Cameron Young | -9 |
| 3 | Sam Burns | -8 |
| T4 | Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood | -7 |
| T6 | Casey Jarvis, Lucas Herbert, Kim Si-woo | -6 |
Key Moments from the Final Round
- Birdie at 18: Fox birdied the hardest hole on the course to win by one.
- Record-equaling stretch: His 130 strokes over the final 36 holes tied a major championship record.
- Emotional finish: Tommy Fleetwood received a roaring ovation, calling it “truly amazing.”
- Kiwi history: Fox joins Bob Charles, Michael Campbell, and Lydia Ko as New Zealand major winners.
What This Win Means for New Zealand Golf
Ryan Fox now stands alongside Bob Charles (1963 Open), Michael Campbell (2005 US Open), and Lydia Ko (multiple women's majors) as Kiwi major champions. The victory is a career-defining moment for the 38-year-old, who has long been a fan favorite on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
Fox's aggressive style and clutch putting were on full display. He made birdie on the 72nd hole to edge out a world-class field, proving that golf's oldest trophy still rewards bold play.
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For golf fans, this Open was a masterclass in composure. Fox's win will be remembered as one of the great underdog triumphs in the sport's history. Follow GrandGoldman for more golf coverage and travel insights.