Straka falls far back at British Open – Burns leads

New Zealander Ryan Fox improved by 50 places to second with a record-tying 62, two shots behind Sam Burns. With his 62, Fox equaled the all-time best score for a major round, a mark that had previously been reached only five times.

Fox matches the record with a 62

Australian Lucas Herbert had also carded a 62 in an earlier round of the current tournament, showing that Royal Birkdale Club is susceptible to exceptionally low scores.

Burns has already been in top form at two majors this year. He finished seventh at the Masters and ended the US Open in second place. Those are his best career results in the majors to date.

Much suggests that on Sunday a new name will win a first major. Neither Burns nor his New Zealand pursuer Fox has ever won one of the PGA Tour's four biggest tournaments.

First major win for Burns or Fox?

With his 62, Fox also made a statement in major championship history. Such a score had been posted at a major only five times prior to the current tournament, underlining the New Zealander's achievement.

Straka is thus denied any last realistic chance of a top finish. After a weak third round, Sunday for the Austrian will be primarily about moving up a few spots and finishing the tournament on a more positive note.

Meanwhile, all eyes on the final day turn to the leading pair of Burns and Fox, who are expected to decide the 2026 British Open at Royal Birkdale Club between themselves. Neither has yet won a major, adding extra intrigue to the championship.