Ryan Fox Captures 2026 Open as Young Misses

Fox clinches historic Claret Jug

Ryan Fox used a 12‑foot birdie putt on the 18th green to secure the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, ending a dramatic final round. The victory marked just the third time in history a Kiwi player has taken home the Claret Jug. Fox’s approach on the last hole left no room for error, and the roar from the grandstands confirmed the moment. “I had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got,” Young said after the finish, acknowledging the shock of the result. The win solidifies Fox’s place among the elite winners of golf’s oldest major.

Young’s heartbreaking finish

Cameron Young posted a stunning 64 on the final day, the lowest round of the tournament, and finished with a 9‑under 271 total. Despite his brilliant scoring, a playoff was out of reach when Fox’s birdie sealed the title. Young had to resign himself to a runner‑up position and the disappointment of missing a major championship. He later reflected, “It could have been 60,” referring to how a lower score could have changed the outcome. After the round, he cleared his locker and even practiced on the putting green, trying to process the loss.

Key moments of the 18th

The turning point arrived on the 18th hole, where Young chose driver and landed in a fairway bunker. His second shot struck the top of the bunker wall, sending the ball spilling out roughly 20 yards forward. The erratic rebound led to a bogey, erasing what could have been a tie for the lowest final‑round score. A par there would have matched the tournament’s best closing round, while a birdie would have given Young the championship outright. The missed opportunity turned a potential triumph into a heartbreaking near‑miss. After the round, Young said, “I played a great round of golf,” and added, “and I did it in a really good way.”

Context and outlook

Young, now ranked No. 4 in the world, has risen to elite status this year with victories at The Players Championship in March and the Cadillac Championship at Doral, an event staged before President Donald Trump. He previously finished runner‑up at the 2022 Open Championship at St. Andrews after an eagle on the final hole left him one stroke shy of Cameron Smith. A tie for third at the Masters this year followed a shared 54‑hole lead, underscoring his consistent pedigree. After a sluggish 3‑over 73 on Saturday, Young fell to a tie for 20th, realizing he “had a chance to win with not everything I’ve got.” The Open disappointment is seen as another step toward his eventual major breakthrough.

The article recap can be read in full at The Open 2026 recap: Ryan Fox wins the 154th Open Championship!