Ryan Fox secured a historic victory at the 154th Open Championship held at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England, marking a significant moment for New Zealand golf. Fox, 39, became the second Kiwi to win the Claret Jug, joining Sir Bob Charles, who claimed the title in 1963. This triumph makes Fox the fourth New Zealander to win a major championship, alongside Michael Campbell and Dame Lydia Ko.

Fox’s win was marked by a dramatic final hole, where he executed a flawless drive, approach shot, and a 10-foot birdie putt to clinch the title over American Cameron Young. Fox needed a birdie on the par-five 18th to avoid a playoff and secured it under intense pressure on one of the tournament’s most challenging holes. He described his nerves as “all over the place” but was delighted with the result, calling it “a dream come true.”

The win capped an extraordinary performance that included tying the record for the lowest score in a men’s major with a third-round 62 and completing the largest comeback by position in a men’s major event. Fox entered the final two rounds tied for 52nd place but rallied with the lowest final 36 holes in Open history to take the lead. This was Fox’s first top-10 finish in a major, although he had shown strong form on British courses in recent years, winning the 2022 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the 2023 BMW PGA Championship.

Fox’s victory earned him a winner’s cheque of NZ$5.5 million, along with exemptions for the next five years into the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open, and Players Championship, and automatic entry into the Open Championship until age 55. Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Fox remained characteristically modest about his breakthrough, saying he would celebrate with “a very good bottle of red wine.”

Sir Bob Charles, New Zealand’s first left-handed major winner, expressed pride in Fox’s accomplishment. Charles praised Fox’s playing style as a refreshing return to the traditional pace of the game, highlighting his efficiency and focus during competition. Reflecting on the different challenges both faced, Charles noted the favorable nature of Fox’s final putt compared to his own 1963 victory and expressed intent to congratulate Fox personally.

Alongside Fox, fellow New Zealand golfer Kazuma Kobori also delivered a solid performance, finishing tied for 28th at two under par. Fox is set to defend his title next year at St Andrews, “the home of golf,” continuing the legacy begun nearly six decades ago by Charles, who successfully defended his own title there in 1964.