Ryan Fox has won The Open 2026, capturing the Claret Jug with a masterful performance at Royal Liverpool. The New Zealander held off world number one Scottie Scheffler, Players champion Cameron Young, and local hero Tommy Fleetwood to claim golf's oldest prize. This victory makes Fox just the fourth Kiwi to win a major championship.
How Ryan Fox Won The Open 2026
Fox entered the final round with a one-shot lead and never wavered. He birdied the notoriously difficult 18th hole, which had a stroke average of 4.345 and had only been birdied 27 times all week. His final round of 65 tied the record for the best final 36 holes in Open history, matching legends like Tom Watson and Marc Leishman.
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The 18th hole proved decisive as Fox's competitors faltered. Cameron Young finished second at -9, while Sam Burns took third at -8. Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood tied for fourth at -7, unable to mount a serious challenge.
Final Leaderboard: The Open 2026
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Fox | -10 |
| 2 | Cameron Young | -9 |
| 3 | Sam Burns | -8 |
| T4 | Scottie Scheffler | -7 |
| T4 | Tommy Fleetwood | -7 |
| 6 | Casey Jarvis | -6 |
| T7 | Lucas Herbert | -6 |
| T7 | Kim Si-woo | -6 |
Historic Context: New Zealand's Golfing Legacy
Fox joins an elite group of Kiwi major winners: Bob Charles (1963 Open), Michael Campbell (2005 US Open), and Lydia Ko (multiple women's majors). His father, Grant Fox, won the 1987 Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks, making this a remarkable family sporting achievement. Ryan Fox's Open win is being celebrated across New Zealand as one of the nation's greatest golf moments.
Key Takeaways from The Open 2026
- Ryan Fox becomes the fourth New Zealander to win a men's major championship.
- His final 36-hole score of 130 ties the Open record set by Tom Watson and others.
- The 18th hole was the toughest of the week, with Fox's birdie there sealing the win.
- Tommy Fleetwood received an emotional reception from the crowd, vowing to keep chasing the Claret Jug.
What This Win Means for Golf
Fox's victory signals a new era in golf, with international talent rising to challenge the traditional powers. His aggressive play on the back nine, especially the birdie at 18, will be remembered as one of the great finishes in Open history. Fans and analysts alike are already comparing his performance to the best in the sport.
For those inspired by Fox's win, now is the perfect time to book a golf trip to New Zealand or the UK. Experience the courses where champions are made and create your own memories on the links.
FAQ
Who won The Open 2026?
Ryan Fox of New Zealand won The Open 2026 with a score of -10, capturing the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool.
What was the final leaderboard at The Open 2026?
Ryan Fox (-10) finished first, followed by Cameron Young (-9), Sam Burns (-8), and a tie for fourth between Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood at -7.
How many New Zealanders have won a golf major?
Ryan Fox is the fourth New Zealander to win a major championship, joining Bob Charles, Michael Campbell, and Lydia Ko.