Final-hole birdie nets Fox first major crown

SOUTHPORT – New Zealand’s Ryan Fox won the 154th British Open with a birdie at the last to claim his first major at 10 under par on Sunday.

The world No. 56 produced a two-under par 68 on the final day to pip American Cameron Young to the Claret Jug by one shot.

Son of former All Black rugby union international Grant Fox, the 39-year-old was down in 52nd after playing the first two rounds in level par.

But he tied the all-time record low score of 62 for a round in a major on Saturday to set up his shot at history.

As the other overnight contenders faltered on a thrilling final day at Royal Birkdale, Fox produced his best under extreme pressure with birdies at 13, 14, 16 and 18 to claim by a distance the biggest win of his career.