Cameron Smith's 2022 Open runner-up Cameron Young falls short again

Cameron Young missed out on The Open title for the second time in four years, finishing one shot behind Ryan Fox at the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Young, who was runner-up to Cameron Smith in the 2022 edition, again found himself on the wrong side of a tight finish.

What happened in the final round?

Fox's dramatic 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole secured his victory, leaving Young in second place. The American had been preparing for a potential playoff when Fox made his winning shot. Young's Sunday performance was strong, recovering from a poor Saturday to shoot a final-round 66.

Why it matters for Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith's 2022 Open victory remains significant as Young continues to chase his first major title. The Australian's win over Young in 2022 marked a high point in his career, and Young's repeated near-misses highlight the competitive nature of The Open.

What comes next for Young?

Young will look to break his major duck in future tournaments. His consistent performances in The Open suggest he is a genuine contender, but he will need to find a way to close out victories in the final rounds.