Sam Burns started the final round of the 2026 Open Championship with a two-shot lead and finished third. Ryan Fox, his playing partner, walked away with the Claret Jug.

And moments after yet another major near-miss for Burns, it was Fox who had words of comfort for Burns. Speaking to reporters after his victory, Fox addressed Burns directly.

"He was brilliant out there. His time will come," Fox told The Mirror. "I thought he hit a lot of really good shots, had a lot of putts that shaved the edge."

According to The Mirror's July 19 report, Fox shot a final-round 68 at Royal Birkdale on July 19 to finish at 10 under par and claim the Open Championship title. Burns, who began the day at 10 under, could only manage a 72.

Cam Young had earlier posted a 64 to set the clubhouse target at 9 under, but Fox snatched the win with a birdie at the last.

Fox and Burns had already faced each other before this week's Open. At the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, they went into a sudden-death playoff at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

Fox won with a birdie on the fourth playoff hole after Burns missed his birdie putt.  Sunday at Royal Birkdale was the second time in just over a year that he beat Burns in a close finish.

Fox also noted the pair's playing style created an unusual dynamic in the final group.

"I play with Sam a bunch and get along with him really well. There was a little bit of talk out there, especially considering the circumstances we were in," the golfer added.

Burns' week carried personal weight beyond the leaderboard. He had been expecting to be at home for the birth of his second child. But his wife, Caroline, gave birth to a baby girl, Belle, nearly two weeks early, which allowed Burns to make the trip to Birkdale.

Burns has now finished second at the U.S. Open last month, pipped by Wyndham Clark by one shot at Shinnecock Hills, and third at The Open. He has also made deep runs at the Masters and last year's U.S. Open.

Sam Burns keeps knocking on major doors

At 29, Burns has four PGA Tour wins to his name. His most recent came at the 2023 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

But despite consistently contending at the biggest events, a major title remains out of reach.

Last month at Shinnecock Hills, Burns was pipped by Wyndham Clark by one shot at the 126th U.S. Open. A week after Belle's early arrival, Burns packed his bags and finished third at The Open at Birkdale Golf Club.

"Given the circumstances, I'm very pleased with the week," Burns said. "I'm looking forward to being home."

What do you think about Sam Burns' Open Championship heartbreak? Let us know in the comments!

Read more at clubgolf!

Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit