Ryan Fox wins 2026 Open at Birkdale, holds off long-term clubhouse leader Cameron Young - Sports Mole

Ryan Fox won the 2026 Open Championship at Birkdale, securing victory after a birdie on the final hole. The New Zealander had not produced a top-10 finish in 28 prior major appearances, but drew attention on Saturday by carding an 8th-ever major round of 62. Entering Sunday, he chased Cameron Young, who posted a 64 after going out early to take the clubhouse lead, while overnight leader Sam Burns struggled and failed to make a birdie after the second hole. Bogeys at the ninth and 11th put Fox on the back foot, yet he added four birdies across his final six holes. Despite an earlier bogey on the 15th after a ball was left against the bunker wall, Fox recovered with a birdie at the 16th, settled par on the 17th, and converted the final-hole scenario to lift the Claret Jug. Scheffler finished fourth, alongside hometown favorite Tommy Fleetwood, while Rory McIlroy tied for 40th after a 71.