Fox joins elite major record group with 62 at Open Championship
Ryan Fox becomes the eighth player in history to shoot 62 in a major, matching scores by Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns at the 154th Open Championship.
New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has joined an exclusive group of major championship contenders after carding a round of 62 at the Open Championship. The 39-year-old finished the third round at 8-under par at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, tying the major scoring record and sharing the tournament lead with Australia’s Lucas Herbert.
Fox’s performance marks the third time a player has shot 62 at this week’s Open Championship, following earlier rounds by Herbert and American Sam Burns. By achieving the score, Fox became only the eighth golfer in history to record a 62 in a major championship. His round included four birdies in his first six holes, highlighted by a 54½-foot putt on the sixth, before he navigated a bogey on the 13th hole to secure his position at the top of the leaderboard.
The conditions at Royal Birkdale played a significant role in the low scoring. Fox noted the firm and fast nature of the course, particularly with little wind until the final holes. He attributed his success to the green speeds and the lack of wind, stating that the conditions allowed for precise ball-striking and putting. American golfer Xander Schauffele, who played in Fox’s group and posted a 4-under 66, praised Fox’s accuracy and putting, noting that the overcast conditions and low wind contributed to the favourable scoring environment.
Fox’s round was not without error, as he committed his only bogey on the par-4 13th hole after hitting into a fairway bunker and the rough. However, he rebounded with back-to-back birdies on the 16th and 17th holes to reach 8-under par. On the 18th, he left a 47½-foot birdie putt short, settling for par to complete his 62.
Herbert, who also shot 62 on Friday, remains tied for the lead at 8-under par. He is scheduled to tee off on Saturday morning with Jackson Suber. Other contenders, including Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Tommy Fleetwood, trail the leaders by four shots as the tournament heads into its final round.
