Fox holes 12-foot birdie at 18th to win The Open

Ryan Fox has won the 2026 Open Championship, finishing ten under par after holing a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th green. The New Zealander edged out Cameron Young for the title.

The championship came down to the closing hole, with Fox converting the putt in front of the final-day galleries to take the lead for good. Young, who had been in contention, finished as runner-up.

The winning moment

Fox's birdie at the last capped a round that left him at ten under par for the tournament. The 12-foot putt on 18 proved decisive, separating him from Young at the top of the leaderboard and denying the American the title.

• Ryan Fox of New Zealand wins the 2026 Open Championship
• Winning score: ten under par
• Victory sealed with a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole
• Cameron Young finishes second after being pipped for the title

Why it matters

The Open is the oldest of golf's four men's major championships, and its winner is decided over four rounds of strokeplay. A title decided on the final green carries particular weight, and Fox's name now sits alongside the championship's previous winners.

For Fox, the result marks the standout achievement of his career to date, while Young is left to reflect on a second major near-miss. Attention will now turn to where the result leaves both players as the season continues.