The Open Championship: Ryan Fox wins first major with one
Golfer Ryan Fox won his first major championship at The Open Championship after a dramatic final hole birdie. He joins a small group of New Zealanders to have achieved major success in the sport.
Why it matters
This represents a significant milestone in New Zealand sporting history and professional golf.
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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