Ryan Fox's exceptional performance at the British Open has added another historic chapter to the tournament, with his round of 62 strokes placing him among an elite group of golfers. This achievement not only ties the major championship scoring record but also highlights a remarkable period of low scoring at Royal Birkdale. The favorable conditions on Saturday morning provided the perfect backdrop for Fox's brilliant display, setting a high bar for the competition.
Fox Achieves Historic 62 at Royal Birkdale, Equaling Major Record
SOUTHPORT, England – In an extraordinary display of golfing prowess, Ryan Fox etched his name into the annals of major championship history on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Competing at the iconic Royal Birkdale links, Fox delivered a stunning round of 62 strokes in the British Open, effectively tying the record for the lowest score ever recorded in a major championship. This remarkable achievement unfolded early in the day, with benign weather conditions and barely a whisper of wind providing an ideal setting for low scoring.
Fox's round began with an explosive start, as he notched an impressive five birdies on the front nine. His momentum continued through the back nine, culminating in two more birdies on his final three holes, sealing his place in history with a 62 on the par-70 course. This performance places him in distinguished company, as Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns had also posted identical 62s just a day prior, creating an unprecedented succession of record-tying rounds. This marks the eighth instance of a 62 in major championship history, with an astonishing half of these occurrences taking place at Royal Birkdale, including Branden Grace's pioneering 62 in 2017.
A moment of high drama unfolded on the 18th hole, where Fox found himself in a pot bunker off the fairway. Demonstrating incredible skill and composure, he managed to reach the green, leaving himself with a nearly 50-foot putt that, if holed, would have secured an unprecedented 61. Although his putt fell approximately 5 feet short, he calmly sank the ensuing par putt, cementing his historic 62.
The current British Open is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, with the record-breaking scores indicating a confluence of favorable conditions and exceptional talent on display at Royal Birkdale. Golf enthusiasts and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if more records can be shattered as the tournament progresses.
The current British Open, and specifically Ryan Fox's electrifying performance, offer a compelling reminder of golf's enduring allure and its capacity for unexpected brilliance. Such instances of record-tying rounds ignite conversations about the sport's evolution, the conditioning of courses, and the ever-increasing skill level of professional athletes. It underscores the notion that even in the most revered tournaments, there is always room for new history to be made, inspiring both current and future generations of golfers and fans.
