Ryan Fox wins The Open Championship after dramatic final day at Royal Birkdale

Ryan Fox produced one of the greatest final rounds in recent Open Championship history as the New Zealander held his nerve at Royal Birkdale to claim his first major title and lift the Claret Jug.

The 39-year-old entered the final day as a contender rather than a favourite, but delivered when it mattered most, firing a two-under-par 68 to finish one shot ahead of American Cameron Young and become the Champion Golfer of the Year.

Fox’s victory was secured in spectacular fashion on the 18th hole, where he needed a birdie to avoid a potential play-off and take control of the championship outright.

The closing hole had proved one of the toughest challenges throughout the week, producing just four birdies during the final round, but Fox embraced the pressure. With Young already in the clubhouse on nine under par, the New Zealander committed to an aggressive approach.

He pulled driver from the bag and launched a 330-yard tee shot down the fairway before finding the heart of the green with a superb approach from 175 yards. A composed 11-foot putt followed, sealing the biggest moment of his career.

“I didn’t feel anything for the putt – everything was shaking that much,” Fox said.

“It’s not a very comfortable feeling. It’s certainly very enjoyable when you see it go in.”

Fox had started the tournament as a 100-1 outsider and was forced to fight his way into contention after a slow opening two rounds. Following a one-over-par 72 on Thursday, he sat tied 85th and seven shots off the pace.

A second-round 68 moved him up the leaderboard before a stunning third-round 62 on Saturday, which matched the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major championship, launched him into contention.

That remarkable comeback saw Fox become the biggest 36-hole positional comeback winner in major championship history. He also became the lowest-ranked Open champion since Darren Clarke won at Royal St George’s in 2011, entering the week ranked 56th in the world.

Fox’s success also completed a remarkable sporting family story. His father, Grant Fox, was a key figure in the All Blacks’ 1987 Rugby World Cup triumph and was once New Zealand’s record points scorer, while his grandfather Merv Wallace captained and coached the New Zealand cricket team.

Despite his family’s achievements, Fox always carved out his own path in sport and did not turn professional until he was 24.

“We’ve got a great history in our family,” Fox said.

“The other great thing is I had no pressure on me to follow in any of their footsteps.

“I don’t know if this tops their achievements, but it’s certainly right up there. I guess there’s no pressure on my kids going forward now.”

Fox keeps his cool in chaotic final round

The final day at Royal Birkdale delivered one of the most unpredictable finishes in recent Open history, with several players moving in and out of contention as the leaderboard constantly shifted.

Four players held at least a share of the lead during the afternoon, with Fox, Young, overnight leader Sam Burns and South Korea’s Kim Si-woo all in the mix.

World number one Scottie Scheffler and home favourite Tommy Fleetwood also remained within touching distance, but it was Fox who displayed the calmness needed to survive the pressure.

His final hole summed up his approach throughout the week: aggressive when required, but composed under the biggest spotlight.

“I did say to my caddie on the tee that we were going to take it on, that I was going to try to win the tournament, and I’d live with the consequences if I stuffed it up,” Fox said.

“To go out there and execute that drive, which is not a very comfortable tee shot, and to hit it in the fairway and give myself a chance was huge.”

After years of steady progress, Fox’s breakthrough major title arrived as a reward for patience and perseverance. His previous best performances in 28 major appearances had never included a top-1p finish, but his stunning weekend at Royal Birkdale changed that record forever.

Young falls just short after setting the clubhouse target

Cameron Young looked to have done enough to force his way into Open history after producing a superb final round.

The American carded a six-under-par 64, setting the clubhouse target at nine under and putting the pressure firmly on the chasing pack.

Young had taken advantage of the calmer early conditions and threatened to match the record-equalling rounds of 62 seen earlier in the week, but his hopes of forcing a play-off disappeared on the final hole.

A wayward drive found a fairway bunker, with his second shot catching the lip before his third ended up in the greenside sand. A brilliant near miss with his chip almost kept his hopes alive, but a bogey meant Fox only needed a birdie on 18 to win outright.

Despite falling narrowly short of a maiden major title, Young reflected positively on his week.

“I walk away feeling like I could have won with a C-plus day in there,” he said.

“Not that the golf was bad, but the first couple days were fine. If you give those a high B, a C-plus day, and really an A day today, I ended up feeling I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got.”

Fleetwood’s Open dream continues

For much of the week, Tommy Fleetwood carried the hopes of the home crowd at Royal Birkdale.

The Englishman, who grew up nearby, received huge support from the galleries and appeared capable of producing the moment many had waited years to see.

Fleetwood had put himself into contention with a strong third round, moving within one shot of the lead before two late bogeys left him with more ground to make up heading into Sunday.

Starting five shots back, he responded with another determined performance and briefly moved back into contention, but a difficult spell around the turn ended his challenge.

A missed opportunity on the ninth hole was followed by three consecutive bogeys on the ninth, 10th and 11th, leaving Fleetwood unable to mount a final charge.

Fleetwood later admitted his approach on the ninth was a mistake.

“It was a terrible mistake,” he said.

However, the support from the home crowd never faded. As Fleetwood walked towards the 18th green, he received a huge reception from the fans and responded by placing his hand over his heart in appreciation.

A birdie on the final hole secured a share of fourth place alongside Scheffler and ensured Fleetwood’s week ended on a memorable note.

“I haven’t won The Open this week, and I’m still chasing that, but that was special and something I’ll remember for a long, long time.”

Fox’s victory brought a dramatic conclusion to an Open Championship full of momentum swings, pressure-packed moments and a final round that will live long in Royal Birkdale history.