In the fading light of a perfect Canadian summer evening, New Zealand’s Ryan Fox emerged victorious from a nail-biting four-hole playoff against American Sam Burns to claim the 2025 Canadian Open title. The Hamilton Golf and Country Club, with its century-old fairways and unforgiving rough, became the stage for one of the most memorable finishes in recent tournament history.
Fox, 39, displayed remarkable composure throughout the playoff, consistently finding fairways and greens when the pressure was at its peak. “There’s something special about winning here,” Fox said, clutching the trophy as twilight settled over the course. “The history of this tournament, the players who’ve won before—it’s quite overwhelming to add my name to that list.”
The victory marks Fox’s third PGA Tour win, but perhaps his most significant. Coming into the tournament ranked 42nd in the world, his steady climb has often been overshadowed by flashier players with bigger marketing machines behind them. Yet among golf purists, Fox’s technically sound swing and strategic course management have long been admired.
Burns, who forced the playoff with a stunning birdie on the 72nd hole, showed tremendous sportsmanship in defeat. “Ryan just wouldn’t make a mistake,” Burns admitted afterward. “Four playoff holes and he hit every fairway, every green. That’s championship golf.”
What made Fox’s victory particularly compelling was his journey to this moment. After struggling with wrist injuries in 2023 and contemplating stepping away from full-time competition, he recommitted to the game with a new perspective. Working with renowned swing coach Mike Walker, Fox rebuilt his swing to reduce strain while maintaining his trademark power.
The playoff itself became an instant classic in CO24 Culture circles, as both players matched each other shot for shot. On the decisive fourth extra hole—playing the challenging par-4 18th again—Fox’s approach shot settled 12 feet from the pin, while Burns found himself in a greenside bunker. When Burns couldn’t get up and down for par, Fox’s two-putt was enough to secure the trophy and the $1.6 million winner’s check.
Canadian favorite Corey Conners finished tied for third with England’s Tommy Fleetwood, both one stroke shy of the playoff. Conners’ performance continued a promising trend for Canadian golf, which has seen a remarkable surge in high-level talent over the past decade.
“The reception from Canadian fans was incredible,” Fox noted. “Even though I’m not from here, they were so supportive and knowledgeable. You can feel the passion for golf in this country.”
The tournament also represented a remarkable logistical achievement, having been moved to June from its traditional July date to accommodate the evolving global golf calendar. Tournament director Bryan Crawford deserves immense credit for delivering a world-class event despite the scheduling challenges.
What separates truly great sporting moments from merely good ones is context, and Fox’s victory carried emotional weight beyond the scorecard. His father, Grant Fox, a legendary All Blacks rugby player, was watching from the gallery—his first time seeing his son win in person on the PGA Tour. The embrace they shared beside the 18th green spoke volumes about the personal significance of this particular triumph.
As golf continues to navigate its complicated political landscape, with rival tours and player allegiances creating division, Fox’s victory reminds us why we watch sports in the first place. The purity of competition, the human element of perseverance, and those magical moments when preparation meets opportunity—these transcend the business aspects of professional athletics.
Will this victory catapult Fox into golf’s elite conversation? The coming months will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2025 Canadian Open provided the kind of theater that keeps us coming back to sports, seeking those rare moments when excellence reveals itself in real time. In a world of endless entertainment options, there’s still nothing quite like the authentic drama of championship golf.
