Ryan Fox responds to Open fan treatment after Bryson DeChambeau's own brutal treatment
Ryan Fox responds to Open fan treatment after Bryson DeChambeau's own brutal treatment
Kylee HansenSun, July 19, 2026 at 8:15 PM UTC
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Ryan Fox thanked the fans following his Open Championship win -Credit:Getty Images
While Bryson DeChambeau faced relentless taunts from the Royal Birkdale crowd regarding his rules violation controversy, Ryan Fox enjoyed a starkly different reception on his way to winning the Claret Jug.
Fox secured his first major title and became just the second New Zealander to win the Open Championship with a decisive 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th. While organizers had braced for rough behavior following crowd incidents at the U.S. Open, the atmosphere remained supportive to most, with an exception toward DeChambeau, who was booed on the final hole and mocked with Rory McIlroy chants.
During the second round, DeChambeau received a two-stroke penalty for improving his lie, before threatening to boycott the rest of the tournament. This controversial R&A ruling prompted an angry threat to withdraw from the tournament, which was a significant reaction given that Southport marked the first time all season he had made the cut at a major.
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“You guys out there were fantastic,” said Fox following his win. “The support was amazing. Yeah, this is pretty cool. I'm sorry if I've forgotten anyone, but thank you very much.”
DeChambeau might have disagreed, as he came up the 18th fairway during the third round and someone shouted "Bryson you cheat," and he was booed at some moments during the tournament.
The anger towards DeChambeau came to a head on the 72nd hole, with the LIV Golf man snubbing media after his round concluded. He did, however, post a classy message to Fox on social media.
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DeChambeau received boos from the crowd after he was given a two-stroke penalty -Credit:Getty Images
“A lot of ups and downs this week, to say the least,” wrote DeChambeau on Instagram. “But I’m proud of the way I fought through it. Thank you to all my supporters for carrying me through. Onwards and upwards from here.
“Congratulations to @ryanfoxgolfer on an incredible win!”
Fox carded two-under during the final round of the tournament with Cameron Young sitting tied for first at the 18th hole, and the 39-year-old sank a birdie putt for the win and was in shock afterwards.
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“It's unbelievable, to be honest,” said Fox. “I still don't know what to think. My nerves are all over the place. I'm not quite sure how I hit that putt on 18. Look, it is a dream come true.
“Looking at that trophy now, it's the first time I've seen it up close. So it's pretty amazing.
While battling at Royal Birkdale, Fox noted to his caddie that he was positive they would secure victory.
“I was really happy,” said Fox. “I said to my caddie through six or eight holes, I feel a lot better than I thought I would feel right now. Played really solid early, and I had some brush-ups down the stretch. Yeah, to play that last hole how I did, I stood on the tee and said to my caddie Dean, we're going to try to win this.”
Source: “AOL Sports”
