Ryan Fox wins The Open with birdie on 18th at Royal Birkdale

Ryan Fox won The Open on Sunday, becoming only the second New Zealander to lift the Claret Jug after holing an 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Royal Birkdale. The 39-year-old finished one stroke clear of his playing partner Sam Burns, who had already completed his round.

Fox, known for his quick pace of play, took just 22 seconds to hit the decisive putt on the toughest hole of the week. The win marked his first major title and set off emotional celebrations with his family back home in New Zealand.

A family sporting pedigree

Fox was born in Tokoroa in New Zealand's North Island and comes from a deeply sporting family. His father, Grant Fox, is a former All Blacks fly-half and World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, while his grandfather Merv Wallace captained New Zealand's cricket team in two of his 13 Tests.

Growing up, Fox was a keen rugby and cricket player himself, and he has spoken about waking up in the middle of the night as a child to watch The Open from the other side of the world.

What happened at Royal Birkdale

After Burns finished his round, Fox needed a birdie on the par-4 18th to secure the title. His approach left him an 11-foot putt, which he calmly rolled in to card a closing birdie and seal the one-shot victory.

• Fox won his first major by one shot at Royal Birkdale
• The decisive putt was an 11-footer on the 18th hole
• He is the second New Zealander to win The Open
• His father Grant Fox was an All Blacks goal-kicking great
• His grandfather Merv Wallace captained New Zealand in Test cricket

With his breakthrough major now secured, Fox will turn his attention to the rest of the PGA Tour season, starting with the 3M Open, which begins Thursday on Sky Sports Golf.