Ryan Fox secures first PGA Tour victory at Myrtle Beach Classic
- Ryan Fox led the tournament after a final round of 5-under 66, entering a playoff with Mackenzie Hughes and Harry Higgs.
- He secured his victory by chipping in for birdie on the first playoff hole, after his competitors failed to make their birdie attempts.
- This win marks his first PGA Tour title and grants him a spot in the PGA Championship as well as a two-year exemption on the tour.
In the United States, Ryan Fox achieved a significant milestone by clinching his first PGA Tour title at the Myrtle Beach Classic on May 11, 2025. The event saw Fox deliver an impressive performance, closing the tournament with a final round of 5-under 66. As he finished his round, Fox had to wait and see if that would be enough to secure a win, especially considering Mackenzie Hughes held a one-shot lead going into the 18th hole. However, Hughes faced trouble; his drive into the trees forced him to pitch out, ultimately leading to a missed 10-foot par putt. This error allowed Fox to tie with Hughes at 15-under 269 and put him into a playoff scenario alongside Harry Higgs, who also missed his chance to win after failing to convert a 25-foot birdie putt on the same hole. The playoff occurred on the 18th hole, where Fox's skills came to the forefront. He chipped in from just outside 50 feet for a birdie, sealing the victory after both Hughes and Higgs failed to make their respective birdie attempts. This triumph not only marks a pivotal point in Fox's career but also sends him back to the PGA Championship and secures him a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour. Fox reflected on his career thus far, expressing that while he faced struggles transitioning to the PGA Tour, he always believed in his ability to compete at this level. Ryan Fox, 38, comes from a distinguished sporting family in New Zealand, which includes significant figures in rugby and cricket. His father, Grant Fox, had a notable rugby career as a member of the All Blacks and even contributed to New Zealand’s first Rugby World Cup win in 1987. Additionally, his grandfather, Merv Wallace, was a captain and coach of the New Zealand cricket team, responsible for their first-ever test match victory. Grant Fox has been supportive and proud of Ryan’s achievements, often following his matches from afar due to the time zone differences, emphasizing the importance of family in Ryan’s sporting journey. This victory illustrates the realization of a long-cherished goal for Ryan and signifies his entry among the elite players on the PGA Tour as he joins the ranks of the few New Zealanders who have won on this prestigious tour.