Ryan Fox of New Zealand secured his second PGA Tour victory in just five weeks, triumphing in a dramatic playoff at the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday. The win came after a nail-biting contest with Sam Burns, which concluded with Fox sinking a crucial 3-wood shot to 7 feet on the fourth extra hole at the TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.
A Memorable Playoff Battle
Fox, who had previously won the Myrtle Beach Classic in May by chipping in for birdie in a three-man playoff, had to dig deep in this one. The battle with Burns extended over four extra holes, each on the par-5 18th. What ultimately separated Fox from Burns was a stunning 3-wood shot that landed just left of the pin, leaving him a mere 7 feet from victory. Burns, however, struggled with his shot and was left with a long eagle putt that missed, sealing the win for Fox after he tapped in for birdie.
In his post-round comments, Fox admitted that the playoff had started slowly but that his final shot was special. “To be honest, Sam and I had a bit of a pillow fight for three holes,” Fox said. “But that shot I hit on 18, that 3-wood, was probably the best shot I’ve ever hit.”
Fox Forces a Playoff with a Key Birdie
Fox’s regulation play saw him hole a birdie putt from just inside 18 feet on the 18th hole, bringing him to an 18-under 262, which was the same score as Burns. Burns had completed his round earlier, finishing with a birdie on the final hole for a 62. With both players tied, they headed into a playoff.
The Drama Unfolds in the Playoff
The playoff lasted four tense holes. The PGA Tour moved the pin position after two extra holes, but neither player was able to capitalize early. Burns, known for his excellent putting, had a chance to win on the first playoff hole with a birdie putt from just over 5 feet, but he missed. On the second playoff hole, Fox tried to reach the green with a 3-wood but pushed it just a little off target, leaving it stopped by the rough. His birdie attempt for the win came up a foot short.
On the third playoff hole, both players made pars after both missed opportunities to get closer to the hole. It wasn’t until the fourth playoff hole that Fox finally seized the moment with his winning shot. Burns was unable to match his performance, and Fox claimed victory.
Fox’s Victory Propels Him Into the U.S. Open
The victory is Fox’s second in just over a month and moves him from 75th to 32nd in the world rankings. This result earns him a spot in the upcoming U.S. Open next week, as he is now among the top 60 in the world.
Fox’s win also marks his eighth career victory worldwide, adding to his tally of two PGA Tour wins, four European Tour victories, and two titles from the PGA Tour of Australasia. He had previously qualified for The Open Championship due to his win at the 2023 BMW PGA Championship.
Kevin Yu and Other Notable Finishes
Kevin Yu finished alone in third place, one shot behind the playoff contenders after a solid 66 on Sunday. Unfortunately, Yu missed out on qualifying for the U.S. Open, but his performance earned him a spot in The Open Championship next month, along with Cameron Young and Matt McCarty, who rounded out the top three.
The Close Call for Cameron Young
Cameron Young shot a 65 to tie for fourth, just behind Burns. Young was in the running for the title but struggled on the 18th hole. Needing a birdie to tie Burns, Young’s 3-wood shot landed in the trees, and he had to settle for a bogey, finishing two shots behind Burns.
Young reflected on the final hole, saying, “I couldn’t have hit two better shots on the last hole. I don’t hit 3-wood that far, and it’s blowing straight into the wind, and it decided to bounce all the way to the back woods.”
Ryan Fox’s victory in the RBC Canadian Open adds to his impressive 2024 campaign and marks another unforgettable playoff moment in the world of golf. With his performance, Fox not only claimed the title but also solidified his spot in the U.S. Open, proving that he is a rising star to watch on the PGA Tour.
