TORONTO — New Zealander Ryan Fox clinched a dramatic victory at the Canadian Open, defeating American Sam Burns in a tense four-hole playoff to claim his first PGA Tour title. The thrilling finish at Hamilton Golf and Country Club capped off a week of high drama, with Fox sinking a clutch birdie putt on the final playoff hole to secure the win.
A Nail-Biting Playoff Duel
The playoff began after both Fox and Burns finished regulation play tied at 14-under-par. The pair traded blows over the first three extra holes, with neither able to gain a decisive advantage. On the fourth playoff hole, Fox finally seized the moment, landing a precise approach shot to within 10 feet before rolling in the winning putt. "I’ve been close a few times, and to finally get over the line feels incredible," Fox said afterward, visibly emotional.
Burns, who had led for much of the final round, was gracious in defeat. "Ryan played some unbelievable golf today, especially under pressure. Hats off to him—he earned it," the American acknowledged. The loss marked Burns' third playoff defeat on the PGA Tour, adding to his near-misses at the 2021 Valspar Championship and 2022 Charles Schwab Challenge.
Fox’s Breakthrough Moment
For Fox, the victory represented a long-awaited breakthrough. The 37-year-old had previously won four times on the DP World Tour but had struggled to replicate that success on the PGA Tour. His previous best finish in North America was a runner-up at the 2022 Ras al Khaimah Classic. "This is the kind of win that changes everything—it gives you belief that you belong out here," Fox reflected.
Key moments from Fox’s final round included:
- A crucial eagle on the par-5 4th hole to jumpstart his round
- A 25-foot birdie putt on the 14th to keep pace with Burns
- A clutch par save on the 17th after finding trouble off the tee
- A near-perfect approach on the final playoff hole to set up the winning birdie
Tournament Highlights and Standouts
The Canadian Open delivered plenty of drama beyond the playoff. Defending champion Nick Taylor of Canada thrilled the home crowd with a final-round 65 to finish tied for third, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler continued his remarkable consistency with a top-10 finish—his 12th of the season.
Other notable performances included:
- Rory McIlroy’s strong weekend charge (66-64) to finish T4
- Tom Kim’s impressive 63 on Saturday—the low round of the week
- Corey Conners leading the Canadian contingent early before fading on Sunday
- Viktor Hovland showing signs of resurgence with his best finish in months
The Turning Point
The tournament’s pivotal moment came on the 72nd hole of regulation. Burns, holding a one-shot lead, found trouble off the tee and was forced to lay up. His approach left him with a 12-foot par putt to win, but the ball lipped out cruelly. "I hit a good putt—it just didn’t drop. That’s golf sometimes," Burns said afterward, shaking his head.
Fox, watching from the fairway, took full advantage. After splitting the fairway with his drive, he stuck his approach to 15 feet and two-putted for par to force the playoff. "When Sam’s putt missed, I knew I had another chance. I just tried to stay patient," Fox explained.
What This Win Means for Fox
The victory propels Fox to 35th in the world rankings—a career high—and secures his PGA Tour card through 2026. It also earns him spots in several prestigious events, including:
- The remaining Signature Events in 2024
- The 2025 Sentry Tournament of Champions
- The Players Championship next March
Perhaps most significantly, the win puts Fox in strong contention for the International Team at this year’s Presidents Cup. "Representing New Zealand in team events has always been a dream. This certainly helps my chances," he noted with a smile.
Looking Ahead
With the Canadian Open now in the books, the PGA Tour shifts focus to the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. Both Fox and Burns will be in the field, looking to build on their strong performances. For Fox, the challenge will be handling newfound expectations. "Winning changes how people see you—and how you see yourself. I’m excited for what’s next," he said.
As for Burns, the search for his sixth PGA Tour title continues. Despite the disappointment, he remained philosophical: "I’ll learn from this and come back stronger. That’s all you can do in this game."
The Canadian Open once again delivered unforgettable drama, cementing its reputation as one of the Tour’s most exciting stops. For Ryan Fox, it was a life-changing week—one that ended with him hoisting the trophy and etching his name into golf history.
