Ryan Fox claimed his first major championship title at the 154th British Open on Sunday at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, capturing the tournament with a final score of 10 under par. The 39-year-old New Zealander secured victory with a decisive 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, completing the round in 68 strokes and finishing one stroke ahead of runner-up Cameron Young.

Fox’s win marked a significant milestone in his career, as he had never previously finished higher than 16th in a major tournament. His final round included key birdies on the 13th and 14th holes while some of his closest competitors faltered. American Cameron Young shot a final-round 64 but suffered a bogey on the final hole, preventing a playoff.

A defining characteristic of Fox’s play throughout the tournament—and indeed his career—is his rapid pace of play. He takes shots swiftly, often completing pre-shot preparations in about 20 seconds, well under the allowed time, relying on instinct and quick decision-making rather than extended deliberation. His caddie, Dean Smith, described him as “the fastest player in the world.” Fellow professionals and commentators have also noted his unusually brisk rhythm, which contrasts with the increasingly methodical and analytical approach seen in modern golf.

Fox attributes his speed and decisiveness on the course to a straightforward mental strategy focused on minimizing doubt. “I see the shot quickly, pick a shot quickly, and the less time I have to think about it, the less bad stuff can creep in there,” he said after his victory. This approach was reinforced during the Open, where, in consultation with his sports psychologist Karl Morris, Fox and Smith limited discussions about club selection to enhance commitment and reduce overthinking.

Growing up in Auckland, Fox was surrounded by athletic excellence. His father, Grant Fox, was a rugby player for New Zealand’s All Blacks and part of the first Rugby World Cup-winning team in 1987. His maternal grandfather, Merv Wallace, played and captained the New Zealand national cricket team. Despite this sporting lineage, Fox only began playing golf at age 13 and turned professional at 25, bringing a natural athleticism and a fast-paced, instinct-driven style developed through childhood participation in multiple sports.

The emphasis on quick play runs counter to the trend among many contemporary golfers who use detailed statistical analyses and technology such as AimPoint green-reading methods to inform their shots, often resulting in slower rounds. Fox’s ability to maintain a rapid tempo under major championship pressure sets him apart and has won admiration from peers who see his approach as a refreshing alternative.

Fox summed up his outlook succinctly: “You only really need to concentrate properly for 30 seconds or a minute before hitting a shot, and then you can switch off again.” His composure and speed proved a winning combination at Royal Birkdale, allowing him to seize the title with confidence and clarity—and no time to doubt.