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Ryan Fox Wins Open, First Top-50 Outsider Since 2011

7/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ryan Fox won the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale on July 19.
He sealed the victory with a 12-foot birdie putt in 22 seconds on the final hole.
The win gave Fox his first major, moved him from 56th to 22nd, and made him the first player outside the top 50 to win since Darren Clarke in 2011.
His triumph extended the record streak of first-time Open winners to 13 consecutive events.

History

Historical Context

In July 2011, 42-year-old Darren Clarke, ranked 68th, captured his first major at Royal St George’s, lifting him to 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking and underscoring the Open’s tradition of surprise winners. Ryan Fox repeated the pattern in July 2024 at Royal Birkdale, winning his first major while ranked 56th, reinforcing the championship’s reputation for rewarding breakthrough performances.

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Story summary

Ryan Fox won the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale on July 19.
He sealed the victory with a 12-foot birdie putt in 22 seconds on the final hole.
The win gave Fox his first major, moved him from 56th to 22nd, and made him the first player outside the top 50 to win since Darren Clarke in 2011.
His triumph extended the record streak of first-time Open winners to 13 consecutive events.

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