Lucas Herbert falls short in bid for British Open glory as Kiwi breaks 63-year hoodoo
South Port: Australia’s Lucas Herbert falls short in his bid to win the British Open; Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox made a birdie putt on the final hole to seal his country’s first victory at the tournament in 63 years.
Herbert, who took the lead at the midway point of the tournament with an outstanding and record-equalling 62 (eight-under par) on Friday, couldn’t get the job done at Royal Birkdale Golf Club on Sunday.
Herbert started his final round at seven-under-par, tied for fourth and three shots behind Sam Burns.
Despite being two shots off the lead with five holes to play – he was in the final third group of the day – Herbert finished at six-under for a 1-under-par 71 and was tied for sixth, one stroke ahead of fellow Australian Adam Scott (five-under).
“It is,” said Herbert. “It was a great experience. I can’t be too upset. There are a lot of positives to take away. This is my best finish in a major. I really competed. I was leading the last 45 holes. There’s a lot to take away from this.”
American Cam Young led the clubhouse at nine-under all afternoon but Fox stole the show with two birdies in his final three holes to become the third New Zealand men’s player to win one of golf’s four majors.
Fox carded a final-round 68 to finish at 10-under, one stroke ahead of Young.
Needing a birdie on the final hole to win, Fox made a nice drive into the fairway before closing to 12 feet. He took the shot and celebrated his first major victory in front of a large crowd in the stands.
The last New Zealander to win the British Open was Sir Bob Charles in 1963, while Kiwi Michael Campbell won the US Open in 2005.
Fox, 39, is the son of All Black Grant Fox, who won the Rugby World Cup in 1987.
“Wow, I really don’t know what to think right now,” Fox said. “I spoke to my kids last night and they said ‘bring back a trophy’. I think it’s a lovely reward for them. My family in New Zealand and all my supporters there, I know it’s been a long night for them, but I’m glad it was worth it.”
“The golf course was amazing. The weather was amazing in England. You guys were amazing there. The support was amazing. Yeah, that was pretty cool.”
More to come
Tom Decent is chief sports writer for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect with: X or email.
