Sam Burns leads The Open by two shots; Ryan Fox equals major record

By Charlotte Reid — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

Burns takes lead at Royal Birkdale

Sam Burns holds a two-shot lead heading into the final round of The 154th Open after carding a five-under 65 in his third round at Royal Birkdale. Burns’ performance places him at 10 under par, ahead of Ryan Fox and Si Woo Kim.

Burns, who played alongside Bryson DeChambeau, recorded six birdies and one bogey during his round. His strong showing has boosted his prospects for a maiden major title. He made an early charge, securing four birdies within his first eight holes to take an initial lead.

During the round, Burns drained a 30-footer for birdie at the 14th hole. He also two-putted from 30 feet on the 18th, further solidifying his position. Burns found himself two shots ahead when Lucas Herbert, playing in a group behind, recorded back-to-back bogeys late in his round.

Burns commented on his performance, stating that he needed a good round to get back into the tournament after the previous day. He focused on execution and giving himself many opportunities, which he felt he achieved.

Fox equals major history

Ryan Fox of New Zealand equalled a significant major record by posting an eight-under 62 earlier in the day. This score matches the lowest single-round score in men’s major golf history. Fox’s round included nine birdies and one bogey, with a front-nine score of 29.

A birdie on the par-four 18th could have given the 39-year-old the first round of 61 in a men’s major, but his long putt fell short after a strong second shot from a bunker. His record-equalling 62 brought him to eight under for the tournament. This achievement places him alongside Burns and overnight leader Herbert, who also recorded 62s earlier in the tournament.

Prior to this year’s Open, only five rounds of 62 had been recorded in men’s major history. These included Branden Grace’s effort at the 2017 Open, also at Royal Birkdale, and rounds by Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele at the 2023 U.S. Open. Schauffele and Shane Lowry also achieved this score at the 2024 PGA Championship.

Fox indicated his game plan was aggressive, involving frequent use of the driver. He noted that the wind conditions influenced his strategy. He expressed enjoyment playing alongside Schauffele, who has also achieved multiple 62s.

DeChambeau in contention despite penalty

Bryson DeChambeau remains in contention for the title, despite receiving a two-shot penalty for a rules infringement on the previous day. DeChambeau had hinted at withdrawing from the tournament after the penalty incident. He then made a slow start to his third round.

DeChambeau missed a par save at the second hole but recovered with a long-range putt for a shot at the par-four sixth. He missed a three-foot birdie chance at the ninth, where Burns recorded his only bogey. DeChambeau also failed to capitalise on the par-five 14th. He closed within three shots of the lead after a six-foot birdie at the 15th.

DeChambeau matched Burns’ birdie at the 17th. However, a wayward drive led to a bogey at the par-four last. He finished four strokes behind Burns. DeChambeau is the only past major champion within the top 10 heading into the final day.

Other notable players include Si Woo Kim, who posted a third-round 67 to share second with Fox. Ryan Gerard (69) and Lucas Herbert (71) are also in contention. First-round leader Jackson Suber and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen are tied with DeChambeau at six under.

Home favourite Tommy Fleetwood is five strokes back after bogieing two of his last four holes. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is six shots adrift following a level-par 70. Rory McIlroy sits eight shots behind the leader. Another New Zealander, Kazuma Kobori, also moved up the leaderboard, firing a three-under 67 to reach four under for the tournament, placing him inside the top 20.

The final round coverage will begin on Sunday from 8am.

Source: skysports.com