Ryan Fox claimed the Open Championship title at Royal Birkdale, securing victory through decisive play on the final hole. Fox reached the 18th tee tied with American Cameron Young at nine under par. Young had completed his round more than two hours prior with a nine-under total that initially appeared competitive as other contenders struggled with course conditions. Fox delivered under pressure, driving 330 yards down the fairway before striking an iron to 11 feet and making his birdie putt for a three. Young, who would have forced a playoff with a par, instead found a bunker off the tee and ultimately carded a bogey five, finishing one shot behind.
Sam Burns, the 54-hole leader, faltered during his final round. Burns reached 11 under par early before regressing to eight under at the turn and remaining there through the finish. Kim Si-woo briefly held the lead after holing from off the green at the 6th but faded during the closing stretch, finishing tied for sixth.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a mixed Sunday performance that left him tied for fourth at seven under par. Scheffler played the opening five holes in three under and mounted a comeback with birdies at the 16th and 17th holes, yet a wayward tee shot on the 18th resulted in a bogey finish. Tommy Fleetwood, the hometown favorite, also finished tied for fourth after a birdie on his final hole captivated spectators, though his major championship drought continued.
Bryson DeChambeau’s tournament unraveled with a triple-bogey seven on the 11th hole, finishing tied for 14th. The tournament had been marked by earlier controversy surrounding DeChambeau’s adherence to rules during Friday’s second round. Rory McIlroy concluded with a one-under total after signing off with a 71, subsequently announcing plans for a holiday before the PGA Tour playoffs. Fox’s victory represents a significant achievement for the New Zealand golfer and his family’s sporting legacy across three generations and multiple sports.