Ryan Fox wins first PGA Tour title at Myrtle Beach Classic
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox claims maiden US PGA Tour victory in dramatic playoff, secures PGA Championship spot.
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| Ryan Fox of New Zealand reacts after chipping in on the 18th green during the first playoff hole to win the final round of the 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic at Dunes Golf & Beach Club on May 11, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images |
By Amanda Zahra and Hayu Andini
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox achieved a career milestone on Sunday by capturing his first PGA Tour title in spectacular fashion at the Myrtle Beach Classic. With a birdie chip-in on the first playoff hole, Fox edged out Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes and American Harry Higgs to win the tournament and clinch a spot in the upcoming PGA Championship.
Fox, who had previously claimed victories internationally on the DP World Tour, delivered a stunning finish in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a composed final-round performance and an unforgettable playoff moment. The 38-year-old’s breakthrough PGA Tour win came after years of competing globally, finally cementing his place among golf’s elite.
Playoff drama on the 18th hole
The playoff unfolded after all three players finished the regulation 72 holes tied at 15-under-par 269. At the first playoff hole, the par-four 18th, Fox found trouble off the tee, sending his drive to the left. His second shot came to rest just off the green, setting up a difficult chip. Meanwhile, Hughes and Higgs both had good birdie opportunities lined up.
Faced with a high-pressure shot, Fox delivered a perfect chip that tracked straight into the hole for birdie, putting immediate pressure on his playoff rivals.
"I knew the two guys had pretty good birdie chances," Fox said after the round. "I just wanted to give the chip a run at it. To be honest, it never looked like it was going anywhere else, and the rest of it is a bit of a blur from there."
Neither Hughes nor Higgs was able to convert their birdie attempts, sealing the win for the New Zealander.
A final-round surge
Fox’s road to the playoff was paved by a strong final-round 66, which featured five birdies, four of them on the back nine. His back-nine push showcased the determination and steady play that have made him a formidable competitor on international tours.
Hughes, who carded a 67, had the chance to claim the win outright but missed a crucial 10-foot par putt on the 18th hole. The miss dropped him into the playoff and ultimately cost him the title.
Despite the disappointment, Hughes took some solace in knowing he was already qualified for the PGA Championship, which begins Thursday at Quail Hollow.
Higgs close to breakthrough
Harry Higgs, whose round of 68 included five birdies and two bogeys, was visibly emotional after falling just short in the playoff. Still seeking his first PGA Tour win, Higgs remained optimistic about his future.
"I'm proud and bummed out," he said. "Hopefully I get another chance, and I think that I will. I think that I'm on the right path."
Higgs has been steadily improving his form, and Sunday’s performance was yet another sign that a breakthrough win could be near.
A career-defining victory
For Fox, who has won four titles on the DP World Tour and claimed eight international victories in total, Sunday’s triumph was more than just a win—it was validation.
"Very rewarding," Fox said. "I always deep down felt I could compete with the guys out here. Just haven’t been able to put it together. To get that win is extra special."
The win not only provided Fox with a significant career moment, but it also punched his ticket to this week’s PGA Championship—one of golf’s four major tournaments. That opportunity now puts him on a global stage once again, this time with added confidence and momentum.
A new era for New Zealand golf?
Fox’s victory also brings attention to New Zealand’s rising profile in international golf. With Lydia Ko already an established force in the women’s game, and Fox now breaking through on the PGA Tour, Kiwi golf is enjoying a resurgence.
Fox’s consistency on the DP World Tour and now this PGA Tour win could inspire a new generation of New Zealand golfers aiming to make their mark globally.
Tournament context and other highlights
The Myrtle Beach Classic ran concurrently with a PGA Tour signature event at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, where Austrian Sepp Straka emerged as the winner. Despite being an alternate event, Myrtle Beach attracted a competitive field, and Fox’s triumph ensures the tournament will be remembered for its dramatic finish.
The tournament also offered crucial FedEx Cup points and a valuable opportunity for players outside the top ranks to showcase their abilities. For Fox, it proved to be the stage where years of persistence and international experience came together for a well-deserved win.
Looking ahead to the PGA Championship
With the PGA Championship teeing off in just days, Fox heads into the major with momentum and belief. His ability to deliver under pressure, as seen in Myrtle Beach, will be critical as he competes against the world’s best at Quail Hollow.
For fans and followers of the sport, Fox’s playoff victory stands as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in golf. It also illustrates the global nature of the PGA Tour, with players from all corners of the world contending for titles and making history.
Ryan Fox's win is not only a personal achievement but a statement that his time on the PGA Tour has arrived—and that he intends to make the most of it.
