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.
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).
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.
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.