The 2026 RBC Canadian Open returned to the stunning North Course at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario, and Kia Ora Canada was there to follow New Zealand’s own Ryan Fox as he looked to defend the title he won in dramatic fashion just 12 months earlier.
As the reigning champion, Ryan Fox was a major talking point throughout the week. His 2025 victory is permanently recognised with a plaque at the course, celebrating the dramatic playoff battle that saw the Kiwi claim his second PGA Tour title. Fox eventually overcame Sam Burns after four tense extra holes, producing one of the standout moments in recent Canadian Open history.
Spurred on in 2025 by the All Whites after their historic win against Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto a day earlier, Fox went on to produce one of the best runs of his career. Now, with the All Whites once again chasing their own piece of history at the FIFA World Cup Kiwi sporting fans were hoping that inspiration could strike twice.
Saturday’s third round had a fantastic atmosphere. Fox was paired with American Brooks Koepka, one of golf’s biggest names and certainly a fan favourite. The pair attracted big galleries, with plenty of loud cheers – and a few good-natured heckles – from the local Canadian crowd. Koepka was also followed by his wife, Jena Sims, adding to the star power of the group.
It was fantastic to see a scattering of Kiwi supporters around the course. One fan proudly carried a Ryan Fox poster alongside a silver fern flag, earning plenty of smiles from fellow spectators.
Fox delivered another solid performance, carding a two-under-par 68 to finish Round 3 just two shots off the lead and firmly in contention heading into Sunday.
The final round began with heavy rain in the forecast, forcing tournament organisers to adjust tee times and send players out in groups of three to ensure the championship could be completed on schedule.
Fox once again showed his class, producing another steady round of 68, good for two under par on the day. He looked poised for a top-five finish, but two bogeys over the closing holes meant the Kiwi finished tied for eighth, five shots behind winner Bud Cauley.
For Cauley, the victory was a story in itself. The 36-year-old American finally broke through for his maiden PGA Tour title after an incredible 239 starts, earning one of the most emotional wins of the season.
While Fox may not have successfully defended his title, his performance proved once again that he belongs among golf’s elite. Four rounds of composed golf on a demanding course showed that his game is in excellent shape heading into the next major challenge.
That challenge comes immediately at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, where Fox will tee it up at the 2026 U.S. Open. He will be looking to become just the second New Zealander to win the championship, following Michael Campbell’s unforgettable triumph in 2005.
Fox has shown he has the form to contend.
The next week is shaping up as a massive one for New Zealand sport.
Final Leaderboard
| Pos | Player | Country | R4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bud Cauley | United States | -5 | -17 |
| 2 | Matt Fitzpatrick | England | -6 | -15 |
| 3 | Viktor Hovland | Norway | -5 | -14 |
| T4 | Brice Garnett | United States | -2 | -13 |
| T4 | Jimmy Stanger | United States | -3 | -13 |
| T4 | Jackson Suber | United States | E | -13 |
| T4 | Jesper Svensson | Sweden | -2 | -13 |
| T8 | Sudarshan Yellamaraju | Canada | -2 | -12 |
| T8 | Ryan Fox | New Zealand | -2 | -12 |
