Ryan Fox’s Swift Victory at the Open Championship

By Liam Tremblay — 22 July 2026 — 4 min read

Ryan Fox, from New Zealand, secured the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, distinguishing himself with a notably swift pace of play. His victory was marked by a quick final putt on the 18th green, which occurred just 22 seconds after his playing partner, Sam Burns, completed his round.

Fox’s rapid approach to the game has been a consistent aspect of his career, dating back to his youth in Auckland. He aimed to avoid delaying playing partners during golf outings with his father, Grant Fox. His philosophy, as he described it, involves quickly assessing shots and selecting clubs, minimizing the time for negative thoughts to emerge.

The newly crowned Champion Golfer of the Year‘s speed was evident during a round at the Phoenix Open earlier in the year. Scottie Scheffler, who played alongside Fox, remarked that it felt like a two-ball match due to Fox’s quick play.

Fox’s approach to golf

Fox attributes his efficient play to a straightforward decision-making process. He noted that club selection for a green typically narrows down to one or two options, and he quickly identifies the shot. This method, he believes, reduces the opportunity for doubt to influence his play.

During the Open Championship, Fox also focused on his breathing, especially during tense moments on the greens. He aimed to take a moment longer to relax, particularly before important putts, a strategy he employed during the final stretch of the tournament.

His quick routine was highlighted on the 72nd hole, where he hit his approach shot before the group ahead had fully cleared the green. The decisive putt for the win was executed swiftly, with just over 22 seconds elapsing from the moment Burns holed out to Fox striking his putt.

Perspectives on pace of play

Christopher Smith, a GOLF Top 100 Teacher, observed Fox’s pace during the final round and expressed appreciation for it. Smith, who once completed an 18-hole round in 44 minutes at the Chicago Speedgolf Classic in October 2005, holds a Guinness World Record for his speed of play.

Smith, now 63, continues to advocate for the benefits of maintaining a good pace on the course. He suggests that golfers time themselves from the moment they address the ball to understand their optimal timing for shots. He estimated Fox’s time over the ball to be around 8 seconds, an estimate supported by footage shared by the PGA Tour.

Smith noted that Fox’s swift movements, from walking quickly to grabbing his putter immediately after hitting, contribute to his overall pace. He also suggested that a short routine over the ball could be beneficial in high-pressure situations, preventing overthinking.

The discussion around pace of play also touched upon the contrasting style of other golfers. The game’s rules allow for 40 seconds, or 50 seconds if playing first, for hitting a shot, though this is often exceeded by some players. While Fox’s pace is exceptional, there is a sentiment that other players could benefit from adopting a more efficient approach.

Contrasting styles and career paths

Fox’s victory provided a positive conclusion to a championship that also saw controversy involving Bryson DeChambeau. DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty for an incident involving trampling rough, which sparked debate among players and officials.

Unlike DeChambeau, who has been described as a divisive figure, Fox is widely regarded as a popular personality among his peers. His journey to becoming a major winner involved navigating the challenges of professional golf after turning professional.

Fox recounted a period early in his career on the Aussie Tour where he considered giving up the sport. A conversation with his father, who caddied for him at the Aussie Masters, helped him rediscover the enjoyment of the game. He went on to secure wins on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour before his Open Championship triumph.

While some golfers, like Fox, are naturally quick, Smith explained that individual preferences for pace can be linked to eye and hand dominance. Those who are cross-dominant may be more spontaneous, while those who are homogeneous in dominance might prefer more planning. Ultimately, Smith advises golfers to observe their results to determine their personal optimal pace.

Fox has indicated that he has no plans to alter his fast pace of play, stating that slowing down would make him feel ineffective.

Source: golf.com