The 39-year-old produced a brilliant final-round 68 at Royal Birkdale, sealing victory with a birdie on the 72nd hole to claim the Claret Jug and his maiden major championship.
Fox’s victory completed one of the greatest comebacks in major championship history. Sitting tied for 52nd after 36 holes, he stormed into contention with a record-equalling third-round 62 before closing with another superb performance on Sunday. His rise from tied 52nd is the largest comeback by position after 36 holes ever to win a men’s major championship.
“It’s unbelievable, to be honest. I still don’t know what to think. My nerves are all over the place. I’m not quite sure how I hit that putt on 18. Look, it is a dream come true.”
“I mean, you do dream of this moment. I don’t know whether I ever thought it was going to become a reality. Now it is, and to have my name etched in the history of the game is pretty awesome. I think it’s pretty awesome for New Zealand as well. It’s going to be big down there.”
“I appreciate all the support from down there at home. It’s going to be a lot of people pretty tired Monday morning at work after staying up all night to watch. I’m glad it was worthwhile for them.”
The win also marks another significant milestone for New Zealand golf, with Fox becoming only the forth New Zealander to win a major championship, joining Sir Bob Charles, Michael Campbell and Lydia Ko.
Taking a look at the New Zealand Open 2026 Alumni who tee’d it up alongside Fox this week:
Australian Lucas Herbert, who secured his place at Royal Birkdale via the New Zealand Open’s Open Qualifying Series, backed up his historic second-round 62 with another strong weekend to finish in a share of sixth place.
Kiwi Kazuma Kobori continued his impressive major championship debut, finishing tied for 28th after four consistent rounds. He was joined in a share of 28th by Australian Cameron John, who also enjoyed an outstanding week to record one of the best major finishes of his career.
Japan’s Naoyuki Kataoka completed a memorable championship in a tie for 59th after making the cut and playing all four rounds, while fellow Japanese professional Kazuki Higa finished tied for 74th.
The performances at Royal Birkdale once again highlighted the strength of the New Zealand Open as a pathway to golf’s oldest championship. From Fox lifting the Claret Jug to Herbert’s record-equalling 62 and a host of New Zealand Open competitors making their mark on one of golf’s biggest stages, the tournament’s growing influence on the global game was on full display throughout an unforgettable week in England.
