Fox Prevails in Thrilling 4-Hole Playoff to Win RBC Canadian Open with “Best Shot of His Life”

In dramatic fashion, Ryan Fox took down Sam Burns in the fourth playoff hole at the RBC Canadian Open. 

The 38-year-old golfer had opportunities on 16 and 17 to tie Burns for the lead, but it eventually all came down to the 18th green. What better an ending than having the day three leader shooting to force a playoff.  

The fans at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley erupted as Fox came down 18 and sunk a birdie putt from over 16-feet to give them extra golf. It was no easy putt with the pressure of the moment and a tricky 18th green making for an anxious golfer awaiting the result. 

“It was tough,” said Fox in an interview with CBS Sports after his win Sunday. “Probably got a little lucky on that putt on 18 in regulation, snuck in the left door.”

CALEDON, ON - June 8 - Ryan Fox celebrating with members of the New Zealand men's soccer team after his winning putt on the 18th hole at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. (Photo by Logan Brown)

The New Zealander had special guests in attendance, as members of the New Zealand men’s national soccer team were present at the course for his round. Coming off their 1-0 victory at BMO Field against Ivory Coast in the Canadian Shield tournament, they were in high spirits to cheer on their fellow countryman.

Fox’s win is his second on the PGA Tour with both coming this season. The Kiwi had a top-10 finish in his only other Canadian Open appearance last year. 

“I just feel a bit more comfortable in my own shoes,” said Fox in an interview after round three. “I feel like I belong a bit more out here, and just stuff doesn't seem to matter quite as much after getting that first win.”

You could tell he belonged Sunday. 

Coming into the fourth and final round of golf in Caledon, the New Zealander was playing in the final pairing and was chasing the American leader who shot an incredible eight-under 62 to shoot up the leaderboard to 18-under on the tournament. A modest four-under 66 to tie Burns set up an incredible playoff battle. 

“I think with the playoff, anything can happen,” said Fox to the media after the event. Whatever you can do to keep going, you feel like you've always got a chance, and it's kind of easy to get up for.” 

Burns came out of the clubhouse having finished playing almost two hours earlier than Fox’s 18th hole birdie. Fox had just finished on 18 and played the 18th hole five times in the span of about an hour, truly testing the 38-year-old’s consistency. 

CALEDON, ON - June 8 - Fox lining up his putt during the fourth playoff hole, he'd two putt for the win. (Photo by Logan Brown)

It wasn’t the exact same hole all five times though.

“I didn't know it could change until they told us driving up, but I think that's quite cool, obviously, to -- it can be a little frustrating as a fan to see the same stuff over and over again,” said Fox regarding the pin location change halfway through his playoff battle. 

There was a bit of sloppy play during the playoff holes with several missed putts and risky approach shots that ended up near the water. 

But one shot changed it all for Fox. 

“We had a couple scrappy holes there, and then to hit the shot I hit on 18 on the fourth playoff, it was pretty surreal.” 

“It's the best shot I've ever hit in my life.”