Ryan Fox Wins The Open 2026: Historic Claret Jug Victory 2026

James Northwood
Ryan Fox Wins The Open 2026: Historic Claret Jug Victory
This page may contain affiliate links.

Ryan Fox wins The Open 2026 in a dramatic final round at Royal Liverpool, holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler and a charging field to claim golf’s oldest prize. The New Zealander finished at 10-under par, one stroke ahead of Cameron Young, securing his first major championship victory.

Ryan Fox’s Historic Open Victory

Fox’s triumph is a landmark moment for New Zealand golf. He becomes just the fourth Kiwi to win a major, joining Bob Charles (1963 Open), Michael Campbell (2005 US Open), and Lydia Ko (multiple women’s majors). His father, Grant Fox, won the Rugby World Cup in 1987, making this a remarkable family sporting double.


25% Off All iHerb Brands

Find Bleeding Edge Supplements at Scandalous Prices on iHerb.


The final round saw Fox birdie the difficult 18th hole, which had a stroke average of 4.345 for the week and had only been birdied 27 times prior. He equalled the record for the final 36 holes with 130 strokes, matching legends like Tom Watson (1977) and Ian Baker-Finch (1991).

ADVERTISEMENT

Final Leaderboard and Key Performances

Pos 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

Tommy Fleetwood received a hero’s welcome on the 18th hole, describing it as “hard to describe how cool that is.” He birdied the last and remains chasing his first Open win. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, finished tied fourth after a valiant effort.

Key Takeaways from The Open 2026

  • Ryan Fox becomes the fourth New Zealander to win a major golf championship.
  • Fox’s final 36-hole score of 130 ties the Open record held by Tom Watson and others.
  • The 18th hole proved the toughest of the week, with Fox’s birdie decisive.
  • Cameron Young finished runner-up for the second time in a major.

How Fox’s Win Compares to Other Kiwi Major Champions

Fox’s victory is a testament to his resilience. While Bob Charles and Michael Campbell won their Opens with steady play, Fox attacked the course, birdieing the hardest hole under pressure. His aggressive style mirrors the modern game, reminiscent of Bryson DeChambeau’s power approach.

Lydia Ko’s multiple major wins set a high bar, but Fox’s Claret Jug adds a new chapter to New Zealand’s rich golf history.

FAQ

Who won The Open 2026?

Ryan Fox won The Open 2026 with a score of 10-under par, defeating Cameron Young by one stroke.

ADVERTISEMENT

What record did Ryan Fox tie at The Open?

Fox tied the record for the lowest final 36 holes in Open history with 130 strokes, matching Tom Watson (1977), Ian Baker-Finch (1991), Anders Forsbrand (1994), and Marc Leishman (2022).

How many New Zealanders have won a men’s golf major?

Ryan Fox is the third New Zealand man to win a major, after Bob Charles (1963 Open) and Michael Campbell (2005 US Open). Lydia Ko has multiple women’s major titles.

For more golf news and major championship coverage, stay tuned to GrandGoldman.com. Ryan Fox wins The Open 2026 and cements his place among the greats.

ADVERTISEMENT
James Northwood

Author

James Northwood

James Northwood is a PGA-certified golf instructor with over 20 years of coaching experience at elite clubs across the United States. He has contributed instructional articles to Golf Digest and regularly appears as a guest analyst on national golf podcasts. James's deep knowledge of swing mechanics and player development ensures readers receive expert, actionable advice.


SPONSORED

Get Lifetime Access to the Lastest Movies, with Exclusive Offers & Free Express Order Delivery.

The best paddle surf board isn't at Decathlon: it's this one with thousands of accessories and outlet pricing - Grand Goldman

The best paddle surf board isn't at Decathlon: it's this one with thousands of accessories and outlet pricing - Grand Goldman

Even if you keep up a great workout routine all year round, when vacation time comes, we usually tend to slack off and put training aside. A good w...

Read
This is the best time to get cheap, good running shoes: here's why - Grand Goldman

This is the best time to get cheap, good running shoes: here's why - Grand Goldman

Running is an accessible sport and we only need a little time and a good pair of running shoes to get going, which we can find right now at a good ...

Read
Sports sunglasses: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports sunglasses: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

The sun gives us energy that is vital for our system, but it can also harm us, which is why protection is vital. As Paracelsus said: the dose makes...

Read
The best folding stationary bikes: which one to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

The best folding stationary bikes: which one to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

When looking for a way to stay in shape from the comfort of our own home, few options are better than getting an exercise bike or a recumbent bike ...

Read
Pull-up bar: which one is best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Pull-up bar: which one is best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Pull-ups are undoubtedly one of the best exercises you can do to train your back and core muscles. Choosing a pull-up bar is not simple, as there a...

Read
Sports headphones: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports headphones: which is the best to buy? Tips and recommendations - Grand Goldman

There are times when exercising can get a bit boring and tedious; not every day we are and we need an external stimulus to encourage us to train. ...

Read
Sports Sunglasses: Which Is Best to Buy? Tips and Recommendations - Grand Goldman

Sports Sunglasses: Which Is Best to Buy? Tips and Recommendations - Grand Goldman

The sun provides us with energy that is vital for our system, but at the same time, it can be harmful. As Paracelsus said: the dose makes the poiso...

Read
These are the best thermal bottles to stay hydrated during this heat wave while we train in summer - Grand Goldman

These are the best thermal bottles to stay hydrated during this heat wave while we train in summer - Grand Goldman

We are experiencing one of the toughest weeks of summer, with places in the country reaching nearly 45º, making going outside dangerous, and even m...

Read
Adidas Salomon Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Adidas Salomon Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Finally, the Prime Day 2023 has begun, where we can find great deals on the Amazon website between July 11 and 12. We are sure that sports enthusia...

Read
Adidas, Puma, Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Adidas, Puma, Reebok: the best deals on running and training shoes on Amazon Prime Day - Grand Goldman

Finally, Prime Day 2023 has begun, where we can find great deals on the Amazon website between July 11 and 12. Sports enthusiasts are sure to want ...

Read

ADVERTISEMENT




SPONSORED