Ryan Fox wins 154th Open with quick putt, DeChambeau penalized
9 reported
Ryan Fox won the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale by sinking an 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th green, becoming champion golfer of the year. The putt came just 22 seconds after Sam Burns completed his final round. Fox’s victory was the first time since Tom Watson in 1977 that a 72nd green birdie secured the title by a single shot. The championship was also marked by a two-shot penalty against Bryson DeChambeau for trampling rough that improved his swing path during Friday’s second round. DeChambeau’s angry reaction included delaying signing his card, and a report stated he threatened to get US President Donald Trump involved in his conversation with rules officials. R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said Trump had not been in touch. Fox, the son of All Blacks legend Grant Fox and grandson of former Kiwi cricket captain Merv Wallace, turned professional at 24 and nearly quit golf early in his career.
What’s reported
Ryan Fox won the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
He sank an 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th green, 22 seconds after Sam Burns finished.
It was the first time since Tom Watson in 1977 that a 72nd green birdie secured the title by a single shot.
Bryson DeChambeau received a two-shot penalty for trampling rough that improved his swing path on Friday.
Officials deemed the breach “clear-cut.”
A report stated DeChambeau threatened to get US President Donald Trump involved in his 30-minute conversation with rules officials.
R&A chief executive Mark Darbon said Trump had not been in touch.
Fox is the son of All Blacks legend Grant Fox and grandson of former Kiwi cricket captain Merv Wallace.
Fox turned professional at 24 and nearly quit golf in his second year on the Aussie Tour.
Key figures
Ryan Fox, Open champion
Sam Burns, golfer
Bryson DeChambeau, golfer penalized
Mark Darbon, R&A chief executive
Scottie Scheffler, golfer
Rory McIlroy, golfer
Grant Fox, Ryan Fox’s father
Merv Wallace, Ryan Fox’s grandfather
Donald Trump, US President
Sources: BBC News
