Ryan Fox Wins The Open 2026: Best Shots & Highlights

A Champion Emerges on the Ayrshire Coast

I've seen some incredible golf over the years, but watching Ryan Fox lift the Claret Jug at The Open 2026 hit different. The New Zealander finally broke through for his maiden major championship, and the shot compilation that's making the rounds tells the whole story of a tournament that had everything.

Fox held off challenges from two of the game's biggest names—Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler—both of whom produced their own jaw-dropping moments throughout the week. But in the end, it was the big Kiwi who found a way to get it done when it mattered most.

The Shots Everyone's Talking About

The BBC's highlight reel captures exactly why this Open will be remembered for years to come. When your commentary team is exclaiming "That's just ludicrous!" you know something special is happening on the links.

Fox's ball-striking throughout the championship was exceptional, the kind of precision you need when tackling a demanding Open venue. His ability to flight the ball in the Scottish conditions proved decisive, and several of his approach shots during the final round had that look—the one where you know it's close before the camera even cuts to the green.

McIlroy and Scheffler Bring the Heat

Let's not overlook what Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler brought to the party. Both players featured prominently in the tournament's best shots compilation, reminding everyone why they're considered two of the most complete players in the game.

McIlroy, forever chasing that elusive fifth major to complete his career Grand Slam, produced several moments that had the galleries roaring. His driver was lethal off the tee, and when Rory gets that going at an Open Championship, you know he's going to be in contention.

Scheffler, meanwhile, showed why he's been the dominant force in world golf. His iron play, which has become almost robotic in its precision, was on full display. The world number one made his share of birdies and kept himself in the hunt until Fox pulled away.

What This Means for Fox

For Ryan Fox, this Open Championship victory represents the culmination of years of grinding on various tours and believing his game was good enough to win at the highest level. The son of former All Black Grant Fox, Ryan has forged his own path in golf, and now he has the ultimate prize to show for it.

His breakthrough changes the conversation around New Zealand golf entirely. Fox becomes just the second Kiwi to win a major championship, following Sir Bob Charles's 1963 Open victory at Royal Lytham. That's a 63-year gap between major wins for the nation—Fox has waited long enough for his moment, but an entire country has waited even longer.

Links Golf at Its Finest

The Open always delivers theater that you simply can't script. The unpredictable winds, the firm and fast conditions, the requirement to play multiple types of shots—it all combines to create moments that define careers.

This year's championship was no exception. The best shots compilation serves as a time capsule of a week where creativity and execution merged perfectly. Fox's winning performance wasn't just about one or two signature moments; it was about sustained excellence over 72 holes against the strongest field in golf.

Key Takeaways

Ryan Fox claimed his first major championship, becoming the first New Zealand major winner since 1963
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler both featured in the tournament's best shots but couldn't catch the champion
The shot-making quality at this year's Open was exceptional, leaving commentators reaching for superlatives
Fox's victory reshapes conversations about who the next major champions might be—the game's depth has never been greater