Ryan Fox wins The Open as New Zealander beats American Cameron Young by one shot at Royal Birkdale

Ryan Fox is a first-time major champion after winning the 154th Open Championship on Sunday.

The New Zealander finished 10-under-par around Royal Birkdale to beat American Cameron Young by one shot and fellow US compatriot Sam Burns by two strokes.

It was a chaotic final day as four men topped the leaderboard at one point in Fox, Young, overnight leader Burns and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim. World No 1 Scottie Scheffler and English fan favourite Tommy Fleetwood were also within touching distance.

However it was Fox, who is the son of New Zealand rugby legend Grant, who lifted the Claret Jug on Sunday after shooting a two-under-par 68.

Ryan Fox ‘shaking’ ahead of winning putt

As he started on the 18th, the 39-year-old knew a birdie would be enough to win – which he achieved by draining an 11-foot putt.

‘I didn’t feel anything for the putt – everything was shaking that much,’ said Fox, who was a 100-1 outsider at the start of the tournament and finished with four birdies in his final six holes to earn the title of ‘Champion Golfer of the Year’.

‘It’s not a very comfortable feeling. It’s certainly very enjoyable when you see it go in.”

Fox’s career has often been overshadowed by his father Grant’s achievements, given he helped the All Blacks win the 1987 World Cup and was once their record points scorer.

The family’s strong sporting stock also includes Ryan’s grandfather Merv Wallace, who captained and coached the New Zealand cricket team.

‘We’ve got a great history in our family,’ said Fox. ‘The other great thing is I had no pressure on me to follow in any of their footsteps.

‘I don’t know if this tops their achievements, but it’s certainly right up there. I guess there’s no pressure on my kids going forward now.’