Xander Schauffele reacts after playing partner Ryan Fox fires historic 62 at Open Championship

Xander Schauffele admitted defeat to playing partner Ryan Fox on Saturday at the Open Championship after Fox tied major history with an eight-under 62 at Royal Birkdale.

What happened?

On 19 July 2026, Schauffele carded a four-under 66 to move to three-under for the tournament, four shots behind Fox. Fox’s 62 matched the lowest round ever shot at the Open by an amateur in 1957 and an amateur in any major since 1964. Schauffele made the cut by one shot after two rounds at even par and now sits three-under, tied for 23rd.

Why it matters for Xander Schauffele

Schauffele hasn’t finished outside the top 12 in his last five majors, but Sunday’s final round is make-or-break to keep that streak alive. He called Fox’s round “amazing,” noting the Kiwi hit every fairway and every green in regulation. “You’d take a 62 anywhere,” Schauffele said. “If it’s in a major, it’s a cherry on top. On a Saturday, it’s even better.”

What comes next?

Schauffele needs a closing 68 or better to tie for 12th and preserve his streak. He admitted the conditions favored the early wave, with overcast skies and lighter winds. “The wind was down when we were playing,” he said. “I thought it was a little softer than before.” Fox’s surge leaves Schauffele chasing a Sunday charge to salvage a top-12 finish at Royal Birkdale.