TORONTO METRO – The British Open at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, delivered another historic moment as New Zealand’s Ryan Fox became the third player of the week to shoot a record-tying 62. That score equaled the all-time major championship mark—a rare feat that continues to captivate golf fans across the Toronto Metro region and beyond.

Historic Morning for Ryan Fox at Royal Birkdale

Ryan Fox capitalized on smooth morning conditions on the par 70 course, making five birdies on the front nine. He then added two more birdies in his final three holes, culminating in the record tying 62 on the storied Royal Birkdale links. His achievement echoes that of Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns, both of whom also posted 62s the prior day, signifying a remarkable sequence of low scoring at this year’s Open Championship.

Context: A Major Championship Scoring Milestone

Fox’s round marks just the eighth time in major championship history that a golf scoring record of 62 has been registered, with Royal Birkdale now the venue for half of those instances. The record was first set in 2017 by Branden Grace, also at Royal Birkdale, a testament to the course’s challenging yet potentially score-friendly nature during the right conditions. With these low rounds, Royal Birkdale continues to be a significant name among major venues, exciting competitors and fans alike.

Overcoming Bunkers and Clutch Finishing

On the 18th hole, Fox found himself in one of Birkdale’s famed pot bunkers—a classic golf bunker shot challenge that tested his composure. He safely reached the green and narrowly missed what could have been a birdie putt to make history with a 61. Instead, Fox’s steady par sealed his place in the Open’s record books with a 62, underlining both the difficulty and the promise of the closing stretch at this course.

Connections to British Open Tradition

This latest chapter at Royal Birkdale reinforces the tradition of extraordinary play at the British Open 2026 host, especially as each major championship brings renewed focus to legendary venues. The Open Championship’s rotating locations offer unique conditions, but few have produced as many subpar rounds as this par 70 course with undulating fairways and strategic hazards. The recent string of low rounds affirms Royal Birkdale’s enduring allure for the world’s elite golfers.

A Banner Week for Tournament Scoring

In back-to-back competition days, three players—Ryan Fox, Lucas Herbert, and Sam Burns—joined the select club who have achieved the 62-shot milestone at a major. The convergence of fine weather and precise play has provided fans with memorable moments. Such performances are certain to be discussed across Toronto Metro’s golf communities, where enthusiasts follow each Open Championship for storied records and dramatic finishes.

Major Moments and Local Engagement

The excitement surrounding Fox’s performance resonates with Toronto Metro residents, many of whom track accomplishments at the highest levels of golf and find inspiration to test their own games. Fox’s journey through 33 holes in tournament play—marked by a sharp front nine and a cool finish—showcases the skill and mental fortitude required to shine under major pressure.

Looking Forward

With each new Open Championship, expectations for exceptional play remain high. The scene at Royal Birkdale, where golf’s history and future often intersect, continues to attract global attention. For the Toronto Metro region’s growing golf community, stories like Fox’s reinforce the global stage upon which the sport’s legends are made, and the vital role that major venues play in shaping those achievements.