Publication by EssentiallySports |
July 20, 2026 | Edition #358 |
👋 {{readername | Hey golf fans}},
Ryan Fox (-10/1st) is your Open champion.
Sure, he didn’t have it easy. A record-tying 62 catapulted him into the final pairing with Sam Burns. But… Fox was sliding down the leaderboard on Sunday. Cameron Young (-9/2nd), meanwhile, grabbed the clubhouse lead after firing a 6-under 64. He said he was not optimistic about winning at 9-under but would hang on.
Fox ultimately won by one shot over Young. And that too thanks to a birdie on the 18th hole. A gorgeous tee shot, an even more gorgeous approach, and a clutch birdie putt later, Fox threw his arms in the air as his caddie hunched down in disbelief.
Why wouldn’t he?
Before this, Fox’s best finish at a major? T16 at the 2019 Open Championship. The 39-year-old earned his first (and second) PGA Tour wins only last year. He had 19 professional wins in total, and now he is the fourth Kiwi to have a major championship under his belt.
The last Kiwi to win a men’s major was Michael Campbell at the 2005 U.S. Open. Now, 21 years later, Ryan Fox wrote his name in history.
Beyond the dramatic finish—and Bryson’s lost ball on the 11th—much happened on Sunday. Catch up on it below.
Bryson was penalized by two strokes for improving his lie. But can you tell under which provision of golf rules was he penalized? 83% of our readers got it wrong.
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Enamel Pins: Small keepsakes that celebrate one of golf's greatest traditions.
Thoughtfully designed for golfers who appreciate the history, character, and enduring appeal of The Open. Explore the collection at Essentially Golf Shop.
In Your Opinion, Which Men’s Major Had the Most Satisfying Ending This Year?
Last Poll Result: 68.32% of you thought Sam Burns would win. He finished solo 3rd at 8-under after shooting 2-over on Sunday.
Most popular stories from our morning edition
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