Who Won The Open 2026: Champion Crowned and Ryder Cup Implications

Who Won The Open 2026? Ryan Fox answered that question in stunning fashion with one of the most unlikely major victories in recent memory. At 39, with 28 previous major starts and not a single top-10 finish to his name, the New Zealander birdied the brutal 508-yard 18th at Royal Birkdale to claim his first major title by a single shot. Here's the full wrap of how it happened, Fox's remarkable story, and what the result means looking ahead.

Table Summary: The Final Result

Fox closed with a 2-under 68, capped by a birdie on the 18^th, only the fifth birdie made there all day on a hole that yielded just 28 birdies against 161 bogeys and 13 double-bogeys-or-worse across the whole tournament.

How the Final Round Unfolded

Sam Burns started the day with a two-shot lead but faded quickly, eventually finishing alone in third at 8-under after a 2-over 72. That opened the door for the rest of the field. Cameron Young shot an early 6-under 64 to grab the clubhouse lead and then had to watch for more than two hours as the rest of the field tried to catch him.

Scottie Scheffler played a bogey-free final round and got within two shots at one stage, while home favourite Tommy Fleetwood thrilled the Royal Birkdale crowd with a 73-foot birdie on his very first hole, briefly raising hopes of a home win.

It was Fox, though, who found a way through. After a couple of back-nine bogeys threatened to end his challenge, he birdied four of his last six holes, including the 16th to draw level with Young, before sealing it with the winning birdie on the 18th.

Ryan Fox's Remarkable Story

Fox's path here makes the win even more compelling. He's the son of All Blacks rugby legend Grant Fox, but his own path to the top of golf was anything but conventional: he didn't turn professional until 25, didn't reach the DP World Tour until 30, and only earned his PGA Tour card at 37.

He entered Open week ranked No. 56 in the world, and it took a record-tying third-round 62 on Saturday to even put him in contention.

"I know it's going to ruin a lot of guys' Monday mornings," Fox said afterward, "but I think we punch above our weight a little bit in New Zealand anyway."

He's now the first New Zealander to win The Open in 63 years, since Bob Charles in 1963, and just the third Kiwi to win any men's major, joining Charles and Michael Campbell (2005 US Open).

Ryder Cup Implications

A win of this magnitude naturally raises the question of what it means for the Ryder Cup conversation, even with the next edition still some way off. A few genuine threads are worth watching:

• Ryan Fox and Team Europe: Despite being from New Zealand, Fox is eligible to represent Team Europe at the Ryder Cup through his DP World Tour membership, eligibility is based on tour affiliation rather than nationality. A maiden major title is exactly the kind of result that strengthens a player's case for a future team spot.
• Tommy Fleetwood's continued case: Another major near-miss doesn't change Fleetwood's status as one of Europe's most reliable recent Ryder Cup performers, and the home crowd's reaction on Sunday was a reminder of just how popular he remains.
• Scottie Scheffler and Team USA: His position as a cornerstone of the US team isn't in any doubt, but another major near-miss adds to a 2026 season still without a major title for the World No. 1.
• Cameron Young's rising case: A runner-up finish at a major continues to build the kind of form and big-occasion credibility that strengthens a first-time Ryder Cup selection case.

How to Bet on What's Next

• Upcoming tournaments: Check the golf tournaments page at Sportsbet.io for the next event on tour.
• Outright markets: With form shifting after a result like this, check the golf outrights page for the latest pricing on upcoming events.
• In-play betting: Follow future tournaments live via the golf in-play page.

Markets for future events will develop as the tour calendar continues, so check back for the latest pricing as new tournaments approach.

Gamble with a Clear Plan

Successful betting starts with knowing your limits before you place your first wager. Decide on a spending limit, avoid making impulsive bets after unexpected results, and remember that every outcome is uncertain, no matter how strong a favourite may seem. Taking a break after a run of wins or losses can help you make better decisions and keep betting enjoyable.

If gambling is no longer feeling like entertainment, don't hesitate to seek support. Free, confidential help is available through organisations such as GamCare and Gambling Therapy, where you can access practical tools, advice, and guidance whenever you need it.

FAQs: Who Won The Open 2026

Who won The Open Championship in 2026?

Ryan Fox of New Zealand, who finished 10-under at Royal Birkdale, one shot ahead of Cameron Young.

Has a New Zealander won The Open before?

Yes, Bob Charles in 1963. Fox is the first New Zealand winner since then, 63 years later.

Why didn't Scottie Scheffler win?

He played a bogey-free final round and got within two shots at one stage, but ultimately couldn't close the gap on the leaders.

Is Ryan Fox eligible for the Ryder Cup?

Yes. Despite being from New Zealand, his membership on the DP World Tour makes him eligible to represent Team Europe, since eligibility is determined by tour affiliation rather than nationality.

Who finished runner-up at The Open?

Cameron Young, who held the clubhouse lead for over two hours after an early 6-under 64 before Fox overtook him late in the day.

Where can I bet on upcoming golf tournaments?

You can check odds and betting markets on the golf outrights page and the golf tournaments page at Sportsbet.io.

A Major to Remember

Few wins in recent major championship history have come from as far outside the spotlight as Ryan Fox's breakthrough at Royal Birkdale. Check the latest odds on the golf outrights page, browse upcoming tournaments, and see the current promotions available at Sportsbet.io.

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