Story of the Championship

Ryan Fox claimed the Claret Jug in showstopping style after producing a memorable finish to The 154th Open.

The New Zealander became Champion Golfer of the Year with a 10-under-par winning total of 270, the triumph sealed with a 72nd hole birdie in front of packed grandstands on Royal Birkdale’s famous 18th.

In a week where warm, dry weather baked England’s Golf Coast, more than 300,000 spectators came through the gates to witness a week of world class golf.

Here’s our full recap of how The 154th Open unfolded.

Practice Days | Last-Chance Qualifier and Heroes Classic

The 154th Open saw the introduction of four enhanced Practice Days from Sunday to Wednesday, each designed to elevate the experience of those attending ahead of the first Championship round.

Fans were able to mix with their heroes, watch a 12-player qualifying shootout, follow a star-studded showcase event and enjoy an array of activities in the Spectator Village.

For the first time ever the Last-Chance Qualifier took place, offering up one final Open qualifying spot on the Monday of the Championship.

Former Amateur Champion Aldrich Potgieter and YouTube star Wesley Bryan were among the dozen golfers who earned a place in the qualifier after meeting an exemption criteria set out by The R&A in December.

However it was 32-year-old Yorkshireman Joe Dean who prevailed in front of bumper early-week crowds, claiming his third Open start with wife-to-be Emily as caddie.

After earning a Thursday tee time with 2016 Champion Golfer Henrik Stenson and Max Homa – five days before he was due to get married – Dean said: “A week off would have made the wedding a bit easier but The Open is a good excuse to liven things up a little bit.”

Just over 24 hours later, 2025 Champion Golfer Scottie Scheffler was on the 1st tee returning the Claret Jug and preparing to captain his team to victory in the inaugural Heroes Classic – a new showcase event introduced for the first time in 2026.

Completing his team were Paula Martin Sampedro, last year’s Women’s Amateur Champion, and European Ryder Cup hero Justin Rose.

Jordan Spieth, Padraig Harrington, Tommy Fleetwood, Miyu Yamashita, Brendan Lawlor and Bryan Habana also entertained packed grandstands on a fun afternoon at Birkdale.

Away from the course, the world's top players took time to pose for photos and sign merchandise while Tom Watson and Dame Laura Davies were among the golfing legends who shared insights during sessions in the Mastercard Club.

One-to-one coaching sessions, short game exhibitions and long putt competitions added to the festival feel, as fans flocked to The Open early in the week with anticipation growing ahead of the first Championship day.

Round 1 | Links newcomer holds lead

Jackson Suber's introduction to links golf could hardly have been more impressive. The American played his first competitive links round just days before the Championship began, yet by Thursday evening he found himself leading The Open.

With firm fairways, fast greens and sunshine baking the famous links, scoring opportunities had to be seized. Suber did exactly that, producing a five-under-par round of 65 to set the early pace. The 26-year-old saved his best golf for the closing stretch, an eagle at the par-5 17th the highlight of a back nine that also featured birdies at the 10th, 11th, 14th and 16th.

Daniel Brown and Sungjae Im sat a shot adrift in a share of second, while Robert MacIntyre and Cameron Young were among a group of players to make encouraging starts at three-under-par.

Former Champion Golfers Francesco Molinari, Collin Morikawa, Henrik Stenson and defending Champion Scheffler finished the opening day under par, ensuring many of the game's biggest names were firmly in contention.

Earlier in the day, the Championship got under way in fitting fashion as Royal Birkdale member Matthew Baldwin struck the opening shot, watched on by friends, family and packed grandstands surrounding the 1st tee.

Another local favourite, Tommy Fleetwood, drew some of the largest galleries as he battled his way to an opening round of one-under-par.

As cheers reverberated around the historic Southport venue, there was a reminder of the volatility of links golf as Royal Birkdale showed its teeth. Eventual Champion Fox finished his opening round at two-over-par, leaving himself with work to do heading into Friday.

With Suber setting the pace, a host of established stars lurking close behind and plenty of challenges still to come, the Championship was intriguingly poised after an absorbing opening day.

Round 1 leaders:

-5 - Jackson Suber

-4 – Sungjae Im, Daniel Brown

Round 2 | Record books given a refresh

Friday at Royal Birkdale delivered one of the most remarkable days in major championship history. Lucas Herbert wrote his name into the Open history books with a record-equalling round of 62 – and around 20 minutes later Sam Burns joined him.

They became the fifth and sixth men to record the total in a major, and the first to do so at The Open since Branden Grace’s sensational 62 at Royal Birkdale in 2017.

Herbert looked set to break new ground with a 61, however he missed a five-foot putt for par on the last and had to settle for a share of the spoils. The 18-hole total wasn’t the only record he reached, his front nine 28 was the lowest since Denis Durnian recorded the same score in Southport 43 years ago.

The performance was enough for Herbert to top the leaderboard at eight-under-par.

His 62 looked set to stand alone until Burns produced a sensational finish of his own. The American birdied each of his final three holes and chipped in from a greenside bunker at the 18th to join Herbert on the historic mark and move firmly into contention.

Behind them, a tightly-packed chasing group ensured there would be little room for error.

Bryson DeChambeau remained well positioned. Despite being assessed a two-stroke penalty during his second round, the two-time major winner stayed within striking distance. World number one Scheffler continued his pursuit of a second Claret Jug and home favourite Fleetwood ensured the galleries had plenty to cheer late in the day. Three birdies over his final five holes sparked hopes of a charge up the leaderboard.

There was disappointment for several notable names, however. Major champions Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose and Aaron Rai were among those unable to secure a place in the weekend field. With all 10 amateurs also departing before the third round.

Among those who did make the weekend was Fox. The Kiwi carded a two-under-par 68, the highlight a blistering run of four consecutive birdies from the 8th through the 11th, helping him finish two strokes inside the cut line.

With records tumbling, low scoring on offer and a world-class leaderboard packed with contenders, the stage was perfectly set for a compelling weekend.

Round 2 leaders:

-8 – Lucas Herbert

-6 – Jackson Suber, Cameron Young, Ryan Gerard

Round 3 | Fox makes ground on Moving Day

Fox produced the round of the day on a thrilling Moving Day at Royal Birkdale, firing a sensational 62 to surge into contention.

Taking advantage of the calmer morning conditions, the New Zealander became the third player in two days – and just the seventh in major championship history – to post an 18-hole total of 62. His remarkable charge lifted him to eight-under, two shots behind the lead heading into the final round.

His record-equalling effort was the standout performance of a Saturday that saw the leaderboard constantly shift. But by the end of the day, Burns had emerged in pole position, leading by two after another impressive display and a five-under-par third-round 65.

Si Woo Kim remained in the hunt alongside Fox on eight-under after another composed round, while Ryan Gerard continued his impressive Championship debut to stay in touch.

Aberg and DeChambeau posed a very real threat to those occupying the top few places while Fleetwood looked like making a move during the middle of his round, however a difficult finish left him with work to do on Sunday.

The day ended with Burns holding a narrow advantage and Fox carrying the momentum of a historic 62.

Round 3 leaders:

-10 – Sam Burns

-8 – Ryan Fox, Si Woo Kim

Round 4 | Fox produces thrilling finale

Fox produced the defining moment of The 154th Open, holing a dramatic birdie putt on the 72nd hole to become Champion Golfer of the Year after a captivating final day at Royal Birkdale. The New Zealander's winning birdie secured a one-shot victory over Cameron Young and crowned a remarkable week on England's Golf Coast.

Standing on the 18th tee tied for the lead at nine-under-par, Fox was unfazed by the occasion. He split the fairway with his drive before striking a superb approach to 12 feet, setting up the putt that will forever be part of Open folklore.

The victory was especially extraordinary given where Fox stood at the halfway stage. Rounds of 72 and 68 left him level par and two shots inside the cut line, but a record-equalling 62 on Saturday transformed his championship and propelled him into contention.

Sunday itself was far from straightforward. Fox was one-over-par for the day through 12 holes and appeared to be losing touch with the leaders. Yet birdies at the 13th and 14th reignited his challenge before another clutch birdie at the 16th pulled him back alongside the lead.

His closing birdie completed one of the great Open turnarounds.

For much of the afternoon, however, it looked as though Young would get his hands on the Claret Jug. The American charged through the field with a magnificent 64, reaching the turn in just 29 strokes before posting the clubhouse lead.

Young's challenge ended in heartbreak. Trouble from a fairway bunker on the last left him with a closing bogey and a long wait to discover his fate. Fox's heroics would ultimately deny him the Claret Jug.

Burns began the day with a two-shot advantage after his own record-equalling exploits earlier in the week, but a closing 72 saw him slip to third place. Kim also threatened before a difficult back nine halted his momentum.

Some of the loudest cheers of the day were reserved for Fleetwood. He briefly surged to within a shot of the lead before Royal Birkdale struck back. Though he ultimately fell short and shared fourth place with Scheffler, his pursuit of a first Open title provided one of the Championship's most gripping storylines.

In the end, the week belonged to Fox, whose unforgettable finish earned him golf's most coveted prize.