In a dramatic finale at Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Ryan Fox of New Zealand captured his second PGA Tour title by outlasting American Sam Burns through four tension-filled playoff holes at the RBC Canadian Open. The victory, sealed with a birdie on the fourth replay of the 18th hole, showcased nerves of steel from the 38-year-old Auckland native.
The Path to Overtime
Fox began Sunday's final round sharing the lead but faced a surging Burns, who rocketed up the leaderboard with a spectacular 8-under 62—the day's lowest score—featuring nine birdies against a single bogey. Fox countered with a flawless 4-under 66 to finish regulation play at 18-under par, matching Burns' clubhouse lead.
The defining moment came on the 72nd hole, where Fox drained a 16-foot birdie putt amid roaring crowds, forcing the playoff after Burns had appeared destined for victory. "That putt felt like make-or-break," Fox later remarked. "I trusted my read and gave it everything."
Playoff Rollercoaster
The duo returned to the par-5 18th four times in sudden death:
- First two holes: Both players recorded pars, with Fox narrowly missing a winning birdie putt on the second attempt
- Third replay: After a pin position change, Burns nearly found water with his approach but scrambled for par, matching Fox's save
- Fourth attempt: Fox launched a stunning second shot to set up an eagle chance, while Burns landed safely on the green. Burns then misjudged his birdie attempt, running it four feet past the cup and missing the comeback putt, leaving Fox two putts for victory
Fox calmly tapped in for birdie to secure the win, celebrating with wife Anneke and their children. The triumph adds to his May victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic, also secured through a playoff. "Winning one PGA Tour event was incredible, but two? I'm pinching myself," Fox told reporters.
Broader Implications
The tournament also determined three qualifiers for The Open Championship at Royal Portrush:
- Kevin Yu (3rd at -17) claimed the first spot
- Matt McCarty & Cameron Young (T4 at -16) secured the remaining berths
Italy's Matteo Manassero, who shared the 54-hole lead with Fox, faded to T6 after a 69. Ireland's Shane Lowry made an electric start—eagle and three birdies in his first four holes—but couldn't sustain momentum, finishing T13 at 13-under.
The victory propels Fox to 15th in the FedExCup standings while Burns, seeking his first win since March 2023, noted: "Ryan earned it. That shot he hit on the last playoff hole was championship quality." Attention now turns to the season's third major, with the US Open commencing June 12 at Pinehurst No. 2, live on Sky Sports.
