Ryan Fox wins 154th British Open by one shot at Royal Birkdale

Published Jul 20, 06:40 PM UTC

Ryan Fox won the 154th British Open at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, by one shot, sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. The victory vaulted him from 56th to 22nd in the Official World Golf Ranking, making him New Zealand's fourth major golf champion. Most New Zealanders woke to the news on a wintry Monday morning. Sir Bob Charles, New Zealand's first major winner (1963 British Open), praised Fox's fast pace of play. Fox, 39, is a third-generation sporting champion; his father Grant Fox was an All Blacks rugby star and his grandfather Merv Wallace captained the New Zealand cricket team. Michael Campbell, the 2005 U.S. Open champion, called the win an incredible feat. Fox's home club, Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, celebrated his achievement.