Ryan Fox wins his first PGA Tour title with a clutch chip-in at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. A career-defining moment for the Kiwi.
🔥 Introduction
In a dramatic finish that brought fans to their feet, Ryan Fox secured his first-ever PGA Tour victory at the 2025 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic. The 37-year-old New Zealander delivered one of the most thrilling finishes of the season, holing out a chip shot for birdie on the first playoff hole to claim the title.
🚨 Key Moments & Player Highlights
Fox entered Sunday at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club just one shot back of the leaders. A steady round of 67 (-4) put him into a tie at the top with Rico Hoey, forcing a playoff. On the first extra hole, Fox missed the green long but then delivered a jaw-dropping chip-in from 33 feet to win — a shot that instantly became a season highlight (PGA Tour).
It was a career-defining shot for a player who’s long been known for his power off the tee and gritty style of play. The win vaulted Fox into the field for the 2025 PGA Championship (NBC Sports).
🎯 Championship Performance
Fox’s Sunday stats were rock solid: 12 of 14 fairways hit, 15 greens in regulation, and just 27 putts. But the defining moment was unquestionably the playoff chip. It capped off a week where he ranked among the leaders in strokes gained tee-to-green and scrambling (Golf Digest).
This win ends his streak of 79 PGA Tour starts without a title and proves that his transition from DP World Tour stalwart to full-time PGA contender is complete.
💥 Contenders Who Made It Close
Rico Hoey, a PGA Tour rookie, nearly pulled off his own breakthrough win with a final-round 66. Chris Gotterup, Ben Kohles, and Brandon Wu all finished within two strokes of the lead and looked dangerous throughout the back nine (Golfweek).
🌍 Impact on the Golf World
Fox’s win is not only monumental for his personal career, but also a milestone moment for New Zealand golf. Already one of the country’s most decorated players internationally, this victory validates his game on U.S. soil and earns him crucial FedExCup points and exemptions.
It also makes Fox the first Kiwi since Danny Lee to win on the PGA Tour — a feat that will no doubt energize young players back home.
🎉 Fan Experience & Tournament Atmosphere
The Myrtle Beach Classic delivered on its promise of high drama and coastal flair. With lively galleries, a world-class oceanfront venue, and a leaderboard packed with first-time hopefuls, the tournament made an instant impact on the PGA Tour calendar.
Spectators were rewarded with perfect weather and unforgettable golf — capped by Fox’s walk-off chip-in that sent shockwaves through the sport.
🏆 GOAT Meter: Ryan Fox’s PGA Tour Breakthrough
Progress toward elite status on the global stage:
- ✅ First PGA Tour title (Myrtle Beach Classic 2025)
- ✅ Clinched PGA Championship spot via win
- ✅ Multiple wins on DP World Tour
- ✅ Proven record in team events & majors
- 🕓 Climbing OWGR and gaining major invites
🔥 Verdict: Fox’s win signals his arrival in the U.S. golf spotlight — the Kiwi is no longer just a global grinder, but a real PGA force.
🔮 Conclusion & What’s Next?
For Ryan Fox, this victory is more than a win — it’s an entry into the elite ranks of PGA Tour champions. With his PGA Championship berth secured, he’ll head to Valhalla with momentum, confidence, and a highlight reel moment already in the books.
As for the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, its inaugural edition couldn’t have ended with a more cinematic script — a fitting start to what’s sure to become a fan-favorite event.
Track Fox’s continued rise, stats, and future wins right here on YourGolfGOATS.
