Ryan Fox of New Zealand celebrates on the 18th green after winning the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)(AP Photo/Jon Super)
SOUTHPORT, England (AP) — Ryan Fox of New Zealand survived a wild ride along the back nine of Royal Birkdale and delivered the biggest putt of his life Sunday with a 12-foot birdie on the final hole to win the British Open for his first major title.
Fox was tied with Cameron Young, who finished his round of 64 more than two hours earlier, coming to the toughest hole on the course that had yielded only four birdies. He pounded his drive down the middle, hit his approach below the hole and thrust both arms when it dropped.
He closed with a 2-under 68, doling out more major disappointment for Young. The American also finished one shot behind at St. Andrews two years ago and had a Sunday lead at the Masters until Rory McIlroy overtook him in April.
Sam Burns, the 54-hole leader who was never planning to be at the Open until his wife gave birth to their daughter earlier than expected, lost a two-shot lead and didn’t make birdie over the last 12 holes to finish two shots behind.
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States reacts on the 17th green during the third day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)Sam Burns of the United States, left and Bryson DeChambeau of the United States shake hands on the 18th green after completing their third round during the third day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)(AP Photo/Jon Super)Scottie Scheffler of the United States adjusts his hat on the 18th green during the third day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)(AP Photo/Jon Super)Ryan Fox of New Zealand celebrates on the 18th green after winning the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)Ryan Fox of New Zealand celebrates on the 18th green after winning the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)Cameron Young of the United States plays to the 18th green during the final day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)Cameron Young of the United States acknowledges the crowd as he walks off the 18th green after completing his final round during the final day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)Sam Burns of the United States reacts on the 15th green after putting during the final day of the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale golf club, in Southport, England, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/David Goldman)(AP Photo/David Goldman)
