Ryan Fox’s Record‑Breaking 62 Fuels British Open Charge
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox stormed into contention for the Claret Jug on Saturday after carding a remarkable 62 in the third round of the 2023 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The score, which included nine birdies and a single bogey, not only moved him to eight‑under‑par for the tournament but also marked the lowest round ever recorded in a men’s major championship.
A Historic Round in Context
Fox’s 62 was his third sub‑63 score in just 24 hours, a feat that underscores both his current form and the rarity of such performances in golf’s biggest events. Prior to Saturday, only five rounds of 62 had ever been posted in the history of the men’s majors, according to data compiled by the PGA Tour and the R&A.
When asked about his mindset after the round, Fox said:
“When I made birdie at 14, I thought: I have a chance here. I stand on the last tee and say, If I get one here on the fairway, you can bring in a wedge or a 9‑iron and make a putt for 61.”
An errant drive into the fairway bunker on the 18th prevented him from converting that birdie putt, leaving him with a bogey on the final hole. Despite the miss, Fox remained upbeat, noting that a 62 on a Saturday was “more than enough” to keep him in the hunt.
Fellow Contenders Also Flashing 62s
Fox was not alone in producing the magical number earlier in the week. Australian Lucas Herbert and American Sam Burns each posted 62s on Friday, setting up a three‑way battle for the lead heading into the weekend. Their performances highlight the scoring opportunities presented by Royal Birkdale’s firm fairways and receptive greens under calm conditions.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
The son of former New Zealand rugby star Grant Fox emphasized that he will retain the same aggressive approach on the final day:
“If you execute, you can score here. If you don’t, it’s going to bite you pretty quickly.”
With eight‑under‑par through three rounds, Fox sits within striking distance of the leaders. A solid final round could deliver his first major title and add another chapter to a career already highlighted by consistent performances on the European and PGA Tours.
Why This Matters
Fox’s achievement is more than a personal milestone; it provides a tangible example of how modern equipment, meticulous preparation, and mental resilience can converge to produce historic scores. For fans and analysts alike, the round offers a case study in the evolving dynamics of major championship golf.
As the Open Championship heads into its conclusion, all eyes will be on the 39‑year‑old Kiwi to see whether he can turn his historic 62 into a maiden major victory.
Sources: Reuters report on Saturday’s third‑round action; PGA Tour statistical archive; R&A historical records of major championship scores.
