In the high-stakes drama of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, few stories have captured attention quite like that of Ryan Fox. The 39-year-old New Zealander, known for his powerful game and late-blooming career, produced one of the rounds of the tournament — and major championship history — with a blistering third-round 62. This tied the lowest score ever recorded in a men’s major and thrust him firmly into contention for the Claret Jug.
Born on January 22, 1987, in Auckland, New Zealand, Fox stands at around 6’0”–6’1” with a robust build that translates into serious distance off the tee. He turned professional in 2012 after a solid amateur career that included appearances in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship. His early years were spent grinding on the PGA Tour of Australasia, Challenge Tour, and eventually the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour).
Fox’s breakthrough came later than many stars. He claimed his first DP World Tour victory in 2019 at the ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth. More wins followed, including the 2022 Ras Al Khaimah Classic and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, plus the prestigious 2023 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. These successes elevated him into the world’s top 25 at one point and earned him multiple Order of Merit honors back home.
The move to the PGA Tour marked another chapter. In 2025, Fox secured his first American victory at the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic in a playoff, chipping in dramatically from nearly 50 feet. Weeks later, he defended his Canadian Open title (or claimed it in strong fashion) with another playoff win. These triumphs provided full PGA Tour status and boosted his confidence on the biggest stages.
Heading into 2026, Fox has shown consistency with strong showings like a T7 at the Genesis Invitational, T8 at the Canadian Open, and T23 at the U.S. Open. His game blends elite driving distance with improving putting and scrambling — assets that suit links golf perfectly.
At Royal Birkdale, Fox has delivered. His third-round 62 featured an outrageous front-nine 29, with birdies galore and a resilient back nine that included a bounce-back birdie after his lone bogey. Playing alongside Xander Schauffele (a two-time 62 shooter himself), Fox fed off the energy and executed shots under the major spotlight. As of the latest updates, he sits near the top of the leaderboard, poised for a potential maiden major victory.
Beyond the scores, Fox represents resilience. A father and family man, he has balanced life on the road while chasing dreams that once seemed distant. New Zealand golf has produced stars like Sir Bob Charles and Michael Campbell; Fox is the latest to fly the flag proudly, with Olympic appearances to his name.
As he lifts the Claret Jug this week, Ryan Fox’s 62 at Birkdale will be remembered as a career-defining moment. For golf fans, he’s a reminder that persistence and power can rewrite scripts on the game’s grandest stages. Keep an eye on “Foxy” — this contender from down under is far from finished.
