Ryan Fox Quits 3M Open After Open Victory

Fox’s Immediate Withdrawal

Hours after securing the Claret Jug at the 2026 Open Championship in Royal Birkdale, Ryan Fox announced he would not compete in this week’s 3M Open. The decision comes just a short time after his historic win, mirroring a pattern seen among recent major champions. Fox’s team cited the need to rest and reassess his tournament schedule. The move leaves fans wondering about his short‑term participation in other events.

Other Recent Major Winners Sit Out

Aaron Rai followed a similar route in May, pulling out of the Byron Nelson CJ Cup after capturing his first major title. Rory McIlroy also withdrew from the RBC Heritage a week after winning his second consecutive green jacket at the Masters. Wyndham Clark, on the other hand, chose to compete in the Travelers, a signature event boasting a $3.6 million first‑place prize. These varied responses highlight how champions manage their calendars differently.

Rankings and Future Selectivity

Before his Open triumph, Fox sat 56th in the Official World Golf Ranking; the victory catapulted him to 22nd place. Such a leap gives him leverage to be more selective about where he plays moving forward. Analysts note that top performers often prioritize events that offer higher ranking points or stronger prize money. Fox’s recent surge may influence his decision‑making in the coming months.

Newcomer Joins 3M Open Field

The 2026 3M Open field includes Stefano Mazzoli, who earned full PGA Tour membership after winning the Corales Puntacana Championship on his third start. Mazzoli’s two‑year exemption grants him automatic entry into several tour events, positioning him for a breakout season. His addition adds depth to a field already scrambled by the withdrawal of a major champion. Fans will watch whether Mazzoli can translate his early success into consistent tour results.

The rapid ebb and flow of participation among top golfers reflects the demanding nature of the PGA Tour schedule. As rankings shift and prize structures evolve, players like Ryan Fox will likely continue to weigh rest against competition. The upcoming months will reveal how many other champions follow the same pattern of stepping back after a major win.