How Ryan Fox risked it all on the 18th hole to win the British Open

Monday, 20 July 2026

Standing on the final tee tied for the lead at the British Open, Ryan Fox told his caddie he was going to play aggressively, take a risk and “live with the consequences” if he got it wrong.

The Kiwi golfer pulled off the historic feat at Royal Birkdale to win the British Open by one shot, sealing the victory with a 3.5-metre putt on the 18th hole to earn the Champion Golfer of the Year title and US$3.2 million (NZD$5.5m) in prize money.

Tied with American Cameron Young and facing a potential three-hole aggregate playoff, Fox opted against playing it safe. At that point, the 18th hole had only yielded four birdies all day, for a total of 27 all week, the fewest of any hole on the course.

Ryan Fox and his caddie Dean Smith pose with the Claret Jug trophy after winning the British Open.

'I did say to my caddie, Dean [Smith], on the tee that we were going to take it on, that I was going to try to win the tournament, and I'd live with the consequences if I stuffed it up,' Fox said.

'To go out there and execute, that drive is not a very comfortable tee shot, obviously, and to hit it in the fairway and give myself a chance was huge.'

After safely reaching the fairway, Fox struck a 9-iron from 160 metres out to land the ball close to the pin.

'I'm not sure how I hit the putt,' he said. 'As I said, my hands were all over the place. I was just trying to get it towards the hole somewhere. It's surreal that it went in.'

Known for his rapid pace of play, Fox explained that his speed is entirely natural, rejecting any idea that he should try to slow his routine down in the big moments.

Fox noted that his 'see a shot, hit a shot' strategy actually protects his game under intense pressure, preventing negative thoughts from overshadowing his game.

Ryan Fox celebrates on the 18th green after winning the British Open.

“As soon as I start thinking about it too much, then some bad stuff creeps in.

“That was the whole process down the stretch. I had some good numbers coming in for iron shots into 16, 17, and 18. I just picked my shot and hit it. Thankfully I kind of executed them pretty well.”

When asked if his quick approach extended to driving or eating, Fox joked about the realities of New Zealand roads.

'I can't drive fast in New Zealand because we get too many speeding tickets,' Fox said.

'Yeah, I would say just my brain works fast. That's just how everything is. If you tried to slow me down and make me do everything slowly, I think I'd be pretty useless, to be honest.'

The victory makes Fox only the fourth New Zealander to win a golf major, joining Sir Bob Charles, Michael Campbell, and Dame Lydia Ko. Reflecting on what the victory would mean for the sport back home, Fox predicted a significant long-term impact.

'It will be pretty big. I know it's going to ruin a lot of guys' Monday mornings. I think we punch above our weight a little bit in New Zealand anyway,' Fox said.

'Dame Lydia Ko has won, what, three majors, and she's not even 30 yet. It's pretty crazy. I think this will be huge for New Zealand golf.

“Recreationally the game has been booming pretty much since Covid, and that momentum has kept going. Hopefully this adds a little bit to that.'