Ryan Fox Capitalizes on Lowry’s Fade to Win Canadian Open After Dramatic Playoff
Ryan Fox capitalizes on Lowry’s fade to win Canadian Open in thrilling fashion, overcoming a four-hole playoff against Sam Burns. The final round at Osprey Valley’s North Course saw a fast and furious start from Shane Lowry, who lit up the front nine with an early charge. The Irishman, starting four shots back, went five-under through his first four holes, quickly turning his deficit into a one-stroke lead. It was an electric start that hinted at dominance, but it wouldn’t last. Lowry’s momentum stalled, and his game unraveled as the round progressed. The 2019 Open Champion stumbled over the next 14 holes, finishing two-over for that stretch and signing off with a three-under-par 67. It left him at 13-under for the tournament, and eventually tied for 13th well off the pace.
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Sam Burns Sets the Clubhouse Mark
While Lowry’s early fireworks fizzled, American Sam Burns turned in a stellar round of his own. Burns fired an incredible 62, storming around the North Course and setting a target of 18-under-par in the clubhouse. That blistering performance put pressure on the field, but only Ryan Fox was able to match it. The New Zealander delivered a composed final-round 66, highlighted by four birdies, which propelled him into a tie with Burns and forced a playoff.
Four-Hole Playoff Decides the Champion
The tension escalated as Fox and Burns headed back to the 18th hole for a sudden-death playoff. For three straight trips down the par-five finishing hole, neither man blinked. Both made pars each time, refusing to give an inch. But it was the fourth playoff hole where Fox finally found his edge. Both players went for the green in two, but Fox hit a brilliant approach to within six feet. Burns had a long birdie attempt but failed to convert after racing his first putt past the cup and then missing the return. Fox calmly two-putted from close range, tapping in for birdie to seal the victory and lift the Canadian Open trophy.
