The Open Championship live updates: Ryan Fox wins first major with birdie at last hole
New Zealander Ryan Fox won his first major golf title at the Open Championship after a dramatic birdie on the final hole. Fox, 39, joins a select group of Kiwi major champions after a consistent performance throughout the tournament.
Why it matters
Major sporting victories are significant cultural milestones for smaller nations, boosting national pride and sports participation.
Stepping on to the 18th tee box at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England, Ryan Fox’s mindset was clear.
It was his final hole of the Open Championship. After a record-equalling score of 62 in his eight-under-par third round brought him into contention, he kept himself in the hunt through the final round.
It came down to the last hole: a par would force a playoff with American Cameron Young. A birdie would win it.
With a perfect drive, a perfect approach and a perfect 3.5m putt, Fox became a major champion.
“I played really solid early and had some great shots down the stretch. To play that last hole how I did, I stood on the tee box and I said to my caddy, Dean, we’re going to try and win this,” Fox told Sky Sports.
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