Ryan Fox captured the Open Championship on Sunday at Royal Birkdale, earning his first major victory at age 39 after a career marked by late starts and perseverance.
The 39-year-old New Zealander closed with a birdie on the 72nd hole to secure the Claret Jug. He described the moment after the win, noting his unconventional path that included turning professional in his mid-20s and reaching the PGA Tour at 37.
Fox reflected on near-quitting early in his career during his second year on the Aussie Tour. A conversation with his father at the Aussie Masters helped him refocus, leading to a fifth-place finish that kept his card.
He credited his quick decision-making on the course to habits from playing other sports like cricket and tennis as a youth. Fox also mentioned a bet with Shane Lowry over an All Blacks rugby match.
Other players like Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau featured in discussions around the week, but Fox's victory stood as the central outcome.
