A historic 62. A fearless finish. And a victory powered by the team behind Ryan Fox. 

There are victories, and then there are moments that become part of golf history. 

At Royal Birkdale, Ryan Fox delivered one of those moments. 

Standing on the 18th tee tied for the lead, with the Claret Jug waiting at the end of one of championship golf’s most demanding finishing holes, Ryan made his intentions clear: 

“We’re going to try to win this.” 

Two exceptional shots later, he faced a 12-foot putt to become Champion Golfer of the Year. Ryan found the edge of the cup, raised his arms and completed the greatest performances of his career. 

He finished The 154th Open at 10-under par, one shot clear of Cameron Young, becoming only the second New Zealander to lift the Claret Jug.

The foundation for Ryan’s victory was laid on Saturday, when he produced a remarkable third-round 62, tying the lowest score ever recorded in a men’s major championship 

With nine birdies against a single bogey, the round transformed the tournament, moving him from the middle of the field into the final pairing on Sunday. 

Following a historic round with another great performance is one of golf’s most difficult challenges. On Sunday, as conditions became firmer and increasingly unforgiving, Ryan remained composed. 

Even when difficult lies and unfortunate breaks threatened to derail his momentum, he never lost belief. Birdies at 13 and 14 moved him into contention. After a bogey at 15, he responded immediately with a birdie at 16. 

Then, with the championship on the line, Ryan attacked the final hole. 

A powerful drive. A precise approach. One unforgettable putt. 

It was confident, resilient and completely deserving of the title Champion Golfer of the Year. 

One Player. An Entire Team. 

Golf may appear to be an individual sport, but no achievement like this is accomplished alone. 

Ryan comes from one of New Zealand’s great sporting families. His father, Grant Fox, helped the All Blacks win the inaugural Rugby World Cup, while his grandfather, Merv Wallace, represented and captained New Zealand in cricket. 

That sporting heritage helped shape Ryan’s understanding of preparation, resilience and performing under pressure. But his team extends much further. 

Behind him are his wife, Anneke, and their children. His caddie, coach, family, friends and the many people who have supported him through years of travel, training, setbacks and success. 

For the past four years, Ryan has represented Levelwear with the same humility, determination and quiet confidence he displayed throughout The Open. 

We are proud of what he accomplishes on the course, but equally proud of how he represents himself away from it. Ryan competes with passion, treats people with respect and understands that the greatest achievements are made possible by those around us. 

His victory at The 154th Open is an extraordinary individual accomplishment and a testament to the power of team. 

Congratulations, Ryan. We couldn’t think of a more deserving title than: Champion Golfer of the Year.