Cameron Young Posts 64 at Royal Birkdale but Falls One Shot Short of Ryan Fox

Cameron Young finished the Open Championship at 9-under 271 after a final-round 64, missing a playoff by a single stroke at Royal Birkdale.

Ryan Fox captured the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after holing a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to secure victory. The New Zealander’s final act prevented a playoff for Cameron Young, who finished with a 9-under-par total of 271. Young, the 29-year-old American, posted the lowest score of the final round with a 7-under 64, despite a bogey on the 72nd hole. This result marks another near-miss for the world No. 4, who previously finished as runner-up at the 2022 Open at St. Andrews and tied for third at this year's Masters after holding a share of the 54-hole lead.

Final Round Scoring and 18th Hole Scramble

Cameron Young opened his Sunday charge with a front-nine 29, eventually reaching a point where he believed a 10-under-par total would offer a decent chance of victory. His round of 64 included a critical error on the par-4 18th hole where he opted to use a driver off the tee. His ball found a fairway bunker, and his second shot struck the top of the sand trap wall, advancing only 20 yards. From there, Young managed to scramble for a bogey by getting up-and-down from a greenside bunker, nearly holing the sand shot to save par. A par on the final hole would have tied the record for the lowest final-round score in major championship history, while a birdie would have secured the title outright.

Agonizing Wait at Royal Birkdale

Following his 2:30 p.m. finish, Young spent approximately two and a half hours tracking the leaders. During this interval, he cleared out his locker for efficiency, ate a meal, and visited the players' lounge. By 6 p.m., the American was on the practice putting green, eventually moving to the driving range with his driver in hand to prepare for a potential playoff. The conclusion came roughly 30 minutes later when a roar from the 18th green signaled Fox’s winning birdie. Young reacted by bowing his head and swinging his club gently over his shoulder before exiting the facility. He declined to speak with the media following the official conclusion of the tournament.

Statistical Breakdown and Season Success

Young entered the final day tied for 20th place following a 3-over-par 73 on Saturday. His earlier rounds consisted of consecutive 67s on Thursday and Friday. Despite the disappointment in Southport, Young’s season includes high-profile victories at The Players Championship in March and the Cadillac Championship at Doral two months later. Reflecting on his 64, Young noted that his performance "could have been 60" and expressed optimism about contending without having his best game throughout the week. His 9-under 271 total left him exactly one stroke behind Fox’s winning mark, echoing his 2022 Open performance where an eagle on the final hole at St. Andrews left him one shot behind winner Cameron Smith.