Ryan Fox wins The Open by one shot at Royal Birkdale
Ryan Fox held his nerve in the heat at Royal Birkdale on Sunday to win the 154th Open Championship by one shot.
The 39-year-old New Zealander, son of former All Blacks great Grant Fox, shot a two-under-par 68 to finish on 10 under. American Cameron Young was second on nine under, with Sam Burns a further shot back.
It was Fox's first major title, after a final round in which the lead changed hands several times. Young had already posted a six-under 64 and spent more than two hours at the top of the leaderboard before Fox reached the closing stages.
Fox had to recover from two bogeys on the back nine, but birdied the 16th to draw level with Young. He then reached the 18th knowing that another birdie would secure the Claret Jug.
The long par-four had produced only four birdies during the day, but Fox committed to the shot. He took driver and sent a 330-yard tee shot into the middle of the fairway, leaving 175 yards to the green.
His approach finished around 12 feet from the hole. Fox rolled in the birdie putt, raised both arms and became only the third New Zealander to win a major championship.
"You asked me to bring a trophy home, and I am, aren't I?" Fox was heard telling his family on the phone shortly after the finish.
Royal Birkdale hosted The Open for the 11th time, nine years after Jordan Spieth won here in 2017.
