RYAN FOX WINS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP AT ROYAL BIRKDALE

Ryan Fox won the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on Sunday, claiming his maiden major title with an 11-footer putt on the 18th green. Fox completed the winning stroke 22 seconds after Sam Burns finished his final round. The New Zealand golfer described the victory as a "dream come true" and admitted his nerves were evident during the climax. Fox received $3.2 million in prize money for the win, part of a total purse of $17.75 million at the championship.

The 2026 Open was marked by both notable performances and controversy. Bryson DeChambeau incurred a two-shot penalty after trampling rough that improved the line of his swing path during Friday's play. Fox's victory was notable for his efficient pace of play throughout the tournament, which he attributed to his philosophy of "see shot, hit shot". The champion told BBC Sport that Scottie Scheffler had commented on Fox's speed during a tournament at Phoenix earlier in the year, saying it felt like playing in a two-ball rather than a three-ball group.

Fox will retain approximately $1.76 million from his prize money after UK tax deductions. Non-UK athletes competing at events on British soil are subject to taxation under His Majesty's Revenue and Customs guidelines, with rates ranging from 0% to 45% depending on earnings level. Fox will also pay his caddie 10% of the prize, which amounts to $320,000, reducing his final take-home further before other expenses are deducted.