Ryan Fox captured the 2026 Open Championship on Sunday at Royal Birkdale. The New Zealander finished ahead of Cameron Young in second and Sam Burns in third. Scottie Scheffler placed fourth after a rules-related drop on the 17th hole.
Fox handled the firm and fast conditions with quick decisions and steady play throughout the final round. He described his approach as straightforward, noting that it is not difficult to pick a shot and a club.
Scheffler encountered an unusual situation on the par-5 17th hole. After his ball came to rest near temporary seating, he instructed his caddie and security official not to search for it. This allowed him to take relief under the temporary immovable obstruction rule and drop in a more favorable spot about 100 yards from the green. He birdied the hole but later bogeyed the 18th and finished three shots behind Fox.
Young posted a final-round 64 to climb into second place. Burns, who held a two-shot lead entering the day, ended up third after a challenging Sunday. Fox accepted congratulations on the 18th green from his playing partner Burns.
