Ryan Fox Clinches 2023 RBC Canadian Open Title in Dramatic 4-Hole Playoff

Ryan Fox of New Zealand claimed a dramatic victory at the RBC Canadian Open on Sunday, outlasting American Sam Burns in a tense four-hole playoff at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley. The win marked a memorable moment for Fox, who battled through a stacked field and shifting leaderboard to secure his first title at this event.

Sam Burns set a blistering pace earlier in the day, carding an impressive 8-under 62—the lowest round of the tournament—to seize control atop the leaderboard. As Burns finished and signed his scorecard, all eyes turned to Fox, who still had several holes remaining and was trailing by a single stroke.

Demonstrating composure under pressure, Fox delivered clutch birdies at both the 14th and 15th holes, closing the gap to just one shot. The defining moment came at the 18th, where Fox calmly drained a crucial birdie putt for a round of 4-under 66, forcing a playoff with Burns and setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

The playoff itself was a showcase of resilience, with both golfers exchanging pars and birdies over four exciting holes. Ultimately, it was Fox who emerged victorious, delighting spectators with his steadfast play and seizing the coveted RBC Canadian Open trophy.

Canada’s own Nick Taylor, from Abbotsford, B.C., provided another highlight for local fans. Finishing as the low Canadian, Taylor posted a 13-under total to tie for 13th place—a solid result that followed his historic win at this championship two years ago.

The course at TPC Toronto proved to be a formidable stage, with volatility dominating the final round. At one point, eight players shared the lead before Fox and Italy's Matteo Manaserro (one of Saturday's leaders) had even begun their rounds. Spectators were treated to an electrifying display of golf, with many of the world’s best jockeying for position throughout the afternoon.

One notably explosive start came from Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who opened his round with an eagle followed by three consecutive birdies—going an astonishing 5 under through just four holes. However, late bogeys on the 17th and 18th dropped Lowry out of contention, underscoring just how unforgiving conditions could be on the closing stretch.

With the Canadian Open set to return to TPC Toronto next year, Sunday’s action will surely linger in the memories of fans and competitors alike, promising yet another highly anticipated edition in 2025.