Ryan Fox, despite his recent success in playoffs, does not see himself as a playoff specialist. The New Zealander secured a victory over American Sam Burns in a four-hole playoff at the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, marking the second triumph of his PGA Tour career. His first victory also came in a playoff situation on May 11, where he birdied the first extra hole to triumph over Harry Higgs and Mackenzie Hughes at the Oneflight Myrtle Beach Classic.
Reflecting on his experiences, Fox remarked, "If you’d have seen any of the ones I had in Europe, you wouldn’t say that." He emphasized that he didn't have a favorable record in playoffs during his time on the European Tour, with an 0-2 playoff record that included losses to Russell Knox at the 2018 Irish Open and Victor Perez at the 2022 Dutch Open.
To earn his place in a playoff on Sunday, Fox fought hard. Sam Burns delivered an impressive 8-under 62 round, the best of the day, placing him at the top of the leaderboard. However, due to his earlier tee time, Burns signed his scorecard while Fox was still making progress through the course. Fox made critical birdies on holes 14 and 15, narrowing the gap to just one shot before sinking a crucial birdie on No. 18, finishing with a 4-under 66 and forcing the playoff.
At TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, the 576-yard, par-5 hole No. 18 played a pivotal role. Burns mentioned the hole had a different feel compared to earlier in the week, as it offered new strategic challenges for a potential playoff. Both players made par on the first two playoff holes, leading to the grounds crew positioning a new hole closer to the tee and the water for the third and fourth playoff attempts.
Fox took a bold approach during the playoff rounds, aiming to apply pressure on Burns. His calculated risk paid off when he executed a shot that was, as he described, "probably the best shot I ever hit in my life given the circumstances." He acknowledged the moment's ambiance, stating, “I wasn’t sure in the air if it was going to be a little short or perfect,” but he gauged its success by the crowd's reaction.
Adding to the emotional atmosphere, members of New Zealand's national men's soccer team, the All Whites, came to support Fox. Having won their match against Ivory Coast the prior night, their presence heightened the excitement for Fox. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “To be able to meet them all there at the end and get a photo with them was pretty special.”
Fox's athletic lineage is impressive; his father, Grant Fox, played as a fly-half on New Zealand's legendary rugby team, the All Blacks. Grant Fox participated in 46 matches and was recognized as one of the finest goal-kickers, winning the Rugby World Cup in 1987 and being inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.
On the Canadian side of the leaderboard, Grant Fox's compatriot, Nick Taylor from Abbotsford, B.C., was the low Canadian, tying for 13th at 13 under and earning the Rivermead Cup for the first time. Taylor, who previously won the Canadian Open two years ago, noted, “The energy was phenomenal the first couple of days and being near the lead the last two days.” He plans to rest before competing in the upcoming U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club.
Other Canadian golfers included Corey Conners (68), Adam Hadwin (70), Taylor Pendrith (70), and Mackenzie Hughes (72), all tying for 27th at 10 under par. Additionally, Ben Silverman (69) of Thornhill, Ont., and Vancouver's Richard T. Lee (70) finished tied for 36th. Lee, a rising contender on the Asian Tour, made the cut for a PGA Tour event for the first time. Matthew Anderson of Mississauga, Ont., also celebrated making his PGA Tour cut, finishing tied for 47th at 7 under.
The RBC Canadian Open will return to TPC Toronto next year, promising more thrilling golf experiences. Throughout the tournament, the leaderboard remained competitive, with eight players tied for first before the final rounds commenced. Notably, Ireland's Shane Lowry began his day with an eagle and three consecutive birdies, initially taking the lead before finishing in a tie for 13th after bogeys on the last two holes.
