Open champ Ryan Fox says fast play in golf 'not that difficult'

The 2026 Open Championship winner Ryan Fox is setting a new standard for pace of play on the professional golf course. During his victory at Royal Birkdale, Fox faced the most significant putt of his career, yet he completed his routine in just 22 seconds. His approach is simple and direct.

Fox explains that he trusts his instincts to pick a club and see his shot immediately. By acting quickly, he prevents overthinking and keeps his focus sharp. He developed this style as a teenager tagging along with his father at corporate golf days, where he learned to play rapidly to stay out of the way of the adult players in his group. This habit persisted throughout his professional career.

His caddie, Dean Smith, notes that the speed is not just a quirk but a way to eliminate doubt during high-pressure moments. Even when competing for a major title, Fox refused to change his tempo. He managed to maintain this rhythm during the final round, culminating in a birdie on the 18th hole to secure the win.

While some professional golfers are known for deliberate, long-duration routines, Fox remains a standout for his urgency. He even shared a comment from Scottie Scheffler, who remarked that playing with Fox makes the group feel like a two-ball because the third player is so efficient. For Fox, the logic is sound: less time spent over the ball leads to fewer chances for errors.