Rory McIlroy criticized Bryson DeChambeau’s actions at the 2026 British Open in the historic venue. McIlroy called a penalty against DeChambeau "pretty obvious". McIlroy later offered an olive branch to DeChambeau to his tournament in Doonbeg, despite ongoing tensions. New Zealand's Ryan Fox claimed the title with a final-hole birdie at Royal Birkdale. Fox set a clubhouse mark that Sam Burns later surpassed with a 54-hole advantage during the event. Cameron Young topped the leaderboard as the day’s early play leader at the Open.