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Southport: Australian Lucas Herbert has fallen short in his bid win the British Open as Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox made a clutch birdie putt on the final hole to seal his country’s first victory in the tournament in 63 years.
Herbert, who shot a remarkable and record-equalling score of 62 on Friday (eight-under) to take the lead at the halfway mark of the tournament, was unable to finish off the job on Sunday at Royal Birkdale Golf Club.
Herbert began his final round at seven-under par, tied for fourth and three shots back from Sam Burns.
Despite being two shots off the lead with five holes to play - he was in the third last group of the day - Herbert carded a one-over-par 71 to finish at six-under and tied for sixth, one shot ahead of fellow Australian Adam Scott (five-under).
“It is what it is,” Herbert said. “It was a great experience. I can’t be too upset. A lot of positives to take. This is my best finish in a major. I genuinely contended. I was up around the lead for the last, what, 45 holes? There’s a lot to take away from that.”
American Cam Young had been the clubhouse leader at nine-under all afternoon but it was Fox who stole the show with two birdies in his final three holes to become just the third New Zealand male player to win one of golf’s four majors.
Fox carded a final round 68 to finish at 10-under, one stroke clear of Young.
Needing a birdie on the final hole to win outright, Fox hit a beautiful drive don the fairway before an approach shot to 3.5 metres. He made the putt and celebrated 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 a Rugby World Cup in 1987.
“Wow, I don’t really know what to think at the moment,” Fox said. “I spoke to my kids last night, and they said, ‘bring back a trophy’. I think this is a pretty cool one to bring back for them. My family back in New Zealand and all my supporters back there, I know it’s been a long night for them, but I’m glad it was worthwhile.
“The golf course was fantastic. The English weather was fantastic. You guys out there were fantastic. The support was amazing. Yeah, this is pretty cool.”
More to come
