Ryan Fox's final-hole birdie supplied The 154th Open with a memorable finish, but Royal Birkdale's wider week also set an event benchmark. More than 310,000 spectators attended after The Open expanded its practice-day programme.
Key points
- Ryan Fox won The Open at 10-under-par 270.
- More than 310,000 spectators attended Royal Birkdale.
- Four enhanced practice days included qualifying and showcase events.
The championship built value before Thursday
The Open introduced four enhanced practice days from Sunday to Wednesday. Spectators could watch a 12-player qualifying shootout, a showcase event and regular preparation before the first championship round.
That programme widened the week without reducing the value of the main competition, contributing to attendance above 310,000.
Fox delivered the finish the crowd needed
Fox reached the final hole tied for the lead and made birdie to finish at 10-under 270. His victory followed a third-round 62 that moved him into contention.
The sequence gave the event a complete sporting arc: early-week access, record scoring on Saturday and a title decided on the final green.
Boda8 Sport analysis
Analysis: Major championships compete for attention across an entire week, not only during the final broadcast. Royal Birkdale showed how practice days can become a product rather than an empty preface.
Boda8 Sport's takeaway for event organisers is to create distinct reasons to attend each day while keeping the competition as the centre of gravity.
Sources reviewed
- 01The OpenStory of the Championship: Ryan Fox at Royal Birkdale21 Jul 2026
- 02Associated PressRyan Fox wins the British Open with a birdie on the final hole20 Jul 2026