Young’s Major Championship Dreams Fade Again as Fox Wins British Open at Birkdale

Cameron Young stood on the practice range at Royal Birkdale with driver in hand when a thunderous roar from the 18th green signaled his latest heartbreak. Ryan Fox had sunk a 12-foot birdie putt to claim the British Open title, denying Young the playoff opportunity he desperately sought and extending his drought in major championship competitions.

The American had finished his round two-and-a-half hours earlier, carding a 64 that would prove to be the best score of the final round. His 9-under 271 total was compiled after he salvaged a bogey from the 18th fairway bunker, nearly holing the chip shot in the process. Young then began an anxious vigil, hoping his score would prove sufficient to claim his first major.

During the long wait, Young ate, cleared his locker and spent time in the players’ lounge before moving to the putting green around 6 p.m. The spectators lining the grandstands near golf’s most storied walk eventually delivered the unwelcome verdict as Fox closed out victory.

The 29-year-old’s latest near-miss adds to a frustrating pattern that includes a runner-up finish at the 2022 British Open at St. Andrews and a third-place tie at this year’s Masters after holding the 54-hole lead. Young now ranks fourth in the world rankings following victories at The Players Championship in March and the Cadillac Championship at Doral, where he competed in front of President Donald Trump.

Young reflected that a par on the 18th would have matched the lowest final-round score in major championship history, while a birdie would have captured the title outright. He expressed regret over Saturday’s 3-over 73 that dropped him to a tie for 20th before the final round, but maintained his performance demonstrated competitive progress despite the setback.