Ryan Fox wins 154th Open with final-hole birdie

Ryan Fox of New Zealand won the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on Sunday, July 19, 2026, securing his first major title with a dramatic birdie on the final hole. The 39-year-old finished at 10-under par, one stroke ahead of American Cameron Young, to claim the Claret Jug.

Fox sealed the victory on the demanding 18th hole, hitting a 330-yard drive and an eight-iron approach to within 11 feet before sinking the crucial putt. The birdie capped a resilient final-round performance where he carded a two-under 68, making key birdies on the 13th, 14th, 16th, and 18th holes under intense pressure. His triumph came after Cameron Young, who had stormed into contention with a front-nine 29, bogeyed the same 18th hole after finding a bunker, missing the chance to force a playoff.

The path to victory was set up by a historic performance the previous day. On Saturday, Fox shot an eight-under 62, tying the all-time record for the lowest single-round score in a men's major championship. That round, which included seven consecutive threes from the second hole, propelled him from the middle of the pack into a share of the lead and provided the momentum for his Sunday charge.