Open Champion Ryan Fox Explains 22-Second Winning Putt, Defends Fast Play
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 21
Open Champion Ryan Fox Explains 22-Second Winning Putt, Defends Fast Play
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 21
Summary
Ryan Fox said his 22-second birdie putt to win the Open reflected the same fast routine he has used throughout his career, even under major-championship pressure.
The 39-year-old said quick decisions help keep doubt out of his swing: he sees the shot, picks the club and plays before “bad stuff” can creep in.
Fox traced the habit to childhood rounds with his father, when he tried to stay out of older players’ way by playing quickly, a style he said never changed.
Dean Smith, Fox’s caddie for 250 tournaments, said the pace removes uncertainty rather than creating recklessness, reinforcing Fox’s view that speed can be an asset in golf.