Kiwi breaks 63-year hoodoo with stunning British Open triumph
New Zealander Ryan Fox won his first major golf title at the British Open after a dramatic final round at Royal Birkdale. Fox secured the victory with a birdie on the final hole, ending a 63-year drought for New Zealanders in major championships.
Why it matters
This victory marks a significant milestone in international golf history, highlighting the resurgence of New Zealand talent on the global stage.
- 3.37am . First published July 19, 2026 - 7.12pm
shares Share article Ryan Fox of New Zealand survived a wild ride along the back nine of Royal Birkdale and delivered the biggest putt of his life, making a 12-foot birdie on the final hole to win the British Open for his first major title.
Fox is known in the golf community as a speedy player, but he only needed 22 seconds to clinch victory with a winning shot that the broadcast and commentary team nearly missed in what would have been a disastrous moment.
Ryan Fox of New Zealand celebrates on the 18th green after winning the British Open. AP Photo/Jon Super
“He’s probably the fastest player in the world,” said his caddie Dean Smith.
“I’ve done 250 tournaments with him, and it’s never changed.
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