Ryan Fox Cards Record-Tying 62 at The 154th Open, Enters Sunday as Longshot
New Zealander Ryan Fox delivered an eight-under-par 62 in the third round of The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, matching the lowest score in men's major history and positioning himself as a dark horse contender.
Ryan Fox of New Zealand made history during the third round of The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, carding an eight-under-par 62. This score equaled the lowest round ever recorded in a men's major championship. Fox's performance on Saturday, July 18, 2026, marked the third time a player shot 62 at Royal Birkdale this week, following Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns on Friday. This surge of low scores is attributed to favorable conditions, including a lack of wind, which has made the course more susceptible to low numbers.
Fox's round included nine birdies against a single bogey. He started strong with a front-nine 29 and added another birdie on the 10th hole. Despite a bogey on the 13th, he rallied with three more birdies. On the 18th hole, Fox found a fairway bunker off the tee, but managed to hit his approach shot over the lip, landing on the green. He then faced a 48-foot putt for a potential 61, which came up five feet short, leading to a tap-in par for his record-tying 62. Fox acknowledged that the thought of the record entered his mind after a birdie on the 14th hole, noting the pressure to score in the morning conditions.
Odds and Outlook for Sunday
Following his historic round, Ryan Fox holds a price of +70000 (DraftKings) to win The Open Championship. This places him as a significant longshot, especially when compared to other players who also shot 62 this week. Lucas Herbert, for instance, is currently priced at +2500 (Bovada), while Sam Burns sits at +1400 (BetRivers). Fox's major championship record does not include a top-15 finish, making his current position and momentum heading into the final round particularly notable. His ability to capitalize on the benign conditions and post a record score suggests he could be a dark horse to watch on Sunday.
The New Zealander will carry considerable momentum into the final round, having demonstrated exceptional scoring ability under pressure. His strategic play and recovery from challenging positions, such as the 18th-hole bunker shot, highlight his current form. As The 154th Open Championship heads into its conclusion, Fox's performance has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the leaderboard.
FAQ
- What score did Ryan Fox shoot in the third round of The 154th Open?
- Ryan Fox shot an eight-under-par 62 in the third round of The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
- How many players shot 62 at Royal Birkdale during The 154th Open?
- Three players shot 62 at Royal Birkdale during The 154th Open: Ryan Fox, Lucas Herbert, and Sam Burns.
- What is the significance of Ryan Fox's 62?
- Ryan Fox's 62 equals the lowest round ever recorded in a men's major championship and is the eighth such score in major history, with four of those occurring at Royal Birkdale.