18 Parting Thoughts from the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale - Yahoo Sports

What the report says

Skratch.golf’s Dan Rapaport recapped the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in a July 20, 2026 column, framing Ryan Fox’s victory as the defining story of the final men’s major of the season. Fox, a New Zealander who once began a law degree at Auckland University and came late to elite golf after leaving cricket and rugby, won The Open at age 39 and became Champion Golfer of the Year.

According to the report, Fox separated himself on a difficult Sunday by playing the closing stretch more aggressively and effectively than the other contenders. Rapaport highlighted four birdies over Fox’s final six holes, including a decisive finish at the 18th, while noting that Royal Birkdale’s wind and firm conditions made late birdies scarce. The column also emphasized Fox’s quick decision-making and unusual path to the top level as a counterpoint to the modern trend of early specialization in sports.

The piece also focused heavily on controversy involving Bryson DeChambeau, who was penalized by the R&A after an incident in heavy grass. Rapaport argued the video evidence was not conclusive enough, while acknowledging that opinion was split among players and fans. Xander Schauffele was quoted as sympathetic to DeChambeau’s position, while Rory McIlroy criticized DeChambeau’s response to the ruling.

The broader significance of the recap is twofold: Fox’s win adds an unlikely late-blooming major champion to golf’s history, while the DeChambeau penalty renewed debate over rules enforcement, video review and player conduct in major championships.