Ryan Fox Joins Historic 62s at Open Championship

Record‑Breaking Rounds Pile Up

Around Royal Birkdale on Friday, Ryan Fox posted a stunning 62, matching fellow qualifiers Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns for the lowest score ever recorded in a men’s major. The round featured nine birdies and a single bogey, leaving Fox at ‑8 and in a share of the lead. He missed a routine birdie putt on the final hole, falling short of setting a new benchmark. The feat caps a day when three players broke the 62 barrier in the same event.

Fox’s Near Miss and Major Track Record

Despite the electrifying score, Fox has never broken into the top 15 at any major tournament. His résumé includes two PGA Tour victories, most recently clinching the RBC Canadian Open in June 2025. The near‑miss at the Open leaves him just outside the history books, but still in contention for the clubhouse lead. His performance underscores a growing trend where elite golfers are beginning to regular‑ize the once‑rare 62.

Why 62s Are Becoming Common

The surge in sub‑62 scores reflects advances in off‑the‑tee power, refined equipment, and unusually benign course conditions like those presented by Royal Birkdale this week. Seven of the eight 62s in major‑strokeplay history have come in the past three years, with the last occurring nine years ago. Analysts attribute the acceleration to faster greens and equipment rules that favor distance. The openness of the situation suggests that more players may soon crack the 62 barrier.

Who Has Already Won After Shooting 62

Eight golfers have recorded a 62 in a major, with six of them appearing before Fox’s effort. Branden Grace set the mark at Royal Birkdale in 2017, while Xander Schauffele achieved the feat twice—2023 U.S. Open and 2024 PGA Championship. Rickie Fowler joined the list at the 2023 U.S. Open, and Shane Lowry repeated at the 2024 PGA Championship. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns also posted 62s on Friday. Of these pioneers, only Schauffele went on to claim the tournament title.

Look Ahead for the Leaders

With the field still in motion, the current leaders must navigate the remaining holes while managing their composure. The closeness of the competition hints at a possible breakthrough for another player chasing a historic low round. As conditions remain favorable, the next few holes could either solidify a new champion or add another footnote to the evolving 62 narrative. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see whether this weekend produces another winner who has already posted a 62.