After taking the long road, Fox wastes no time sealing Open glory

Ryan Fox has claimed the prestigious British Open title, achieving a dramatic one-shot victory on Sunday at Royal Birkdale. The 39-year-old New Zealander sank a decisive birdie putt on the 18th hole, sealing his triumph after a defining moment just seconds after his playing partner, Sam Burns, missed a crucial putt.

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I'm definitely not following the trend at the moment. If you'd have given me my career up till yesterday when I first turned pro, I would have jumped at it.

Fox's journey to this career-defining win has been unconventional. He noted his late entry into professional golf, becoming a rookie on the DP World Tour at 30 and on the PGA Tour at 37. "I'm definitely not following the trend at the moment," Fox remarked to reporters, holding the Claret Jug. "If you'd have given me my career up till yesterday when I first turned pro, I would have jumped at it."

His victory was marked by a decisive approach, a trait he attributes to his personality. "I was always that way as a kid. I see things fast," Fox explained, drawing parallels to his childhood in various sports. "The less time I have to think about it, the less bad stuff can creep in there."

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I was always that way as a kid. I see things fast.

This Open championship win follows a strong recent performance, including his first two PGA Tour titles last year and the BMW PGA Championship in 2023. A joint men's major record of 62 on Saturday propelled him into the final pairing, and he delivered a strong closing round with four birdies in the last six holes to secure his place in golf history as the first New Zealander to win the Open since Bob Charles in 1963.

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The less time I have to think about it, the less bad stuff can creep in there.