Ryan Fox wins The Open at Royal Birkdale by one shot

Ryan Fox has won The Open at Royal Birkdale, birdieing the 18th hole to secure a one-shot victory over clubhouse leader Cameron Young and claim his first major championship.

The 39-year-old New Zealander had put himself in position with a 62 in Saturday's third round, but his final round threatened to unravel when he made his second bogey of the day at the 11th. Back-to-back birdies at the 13th and 14th restored his challenge, and after a bogey at the 15th from a difficult lie in a greenside bunker, he responded with a birdie at the 16th.

How the final round unfolded

• Fox carded a 62 on Saturday to move into contention for a maiden major.
• He made bogeys at the 11th and 15th, the latter after escaping a greenside bunker.
• Birdies at the 13th, 14th and 16th kept him in the hunt.
• After missing a chance at the 17th, he hit two strong shots down the last and holed a 12-foot putt for the win.
• Cameron Young had been the clubhouse leader before Fox's finish.

Fox said he told his caddie, Dean Smith, on the 18th tee that they would try to win it, and described his hands as unsteady over the decisive putt. He added that his approach with the putter all day was to take a deep breath and focus on hitting his line.

Why it matters

The victory makes Fox the first New Zealander to win The Open since Bob Charles in 1963. He comes from a notable sporting family: his father, Grant Fox, was an All Blacks fly-half, and his grandfather Merv Wallace captained New Zealand at Test cricket. Fox said the win was a dream come true and predicted it would be significant back home.

The Claret Jug and the title of Champion Golfer of the Year cap a breakthrough for Fox, who had previously contended in majors without converting. Attention will now turn to how he handles the status of major champion, with the remainder of the golf calendar offering further opportunities to build on the result.