Fox claims first major with dramatic final‑hole birdie at Royal Birkdale

Ryan Fox captured his maiden major title with a superb birdie on the final hole of the 154th British Open, edging Cameron Young by one stroke after a gripping afternoon at Royal Birkdale. Level at nine under heading to the 18th, Fox produced a brilliant approach and calmly rolled in a 20‑foot putt to become only the second New Zealander to win the Open, following Bob Charles in 1963. His closing 68 gave him a total of 270, one better than Young, whose stunning 64 had set the clubhouse target.

Fox, who surged into contention with a record‑equalling 62 on Saturday, looked to be fading before rallying with four birdies over his final six holes. A par at the 17th meant he needed a birdie at the last, and he delivered under immense pressure. Overnight leader Sam Burns finished third, while Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood shared fourth at seven under.