Ryan Fox's pacy play set him apart from his peers as he triumphed at a fiery Birkdale that threatened to be overshadowed by Bryson DeChambeau's penalty, writes Iain Carter.

Commentating on the thrilling climax of this year's Open, there was barely a moment to describe the biggest putt of Ryan Fox's life because he struck it so quickly. There were only 22 seconds between Sam Burns completing his final round and Fox stroking home the 11-footer on Royal Birkdale's 18th green. The putt made him champion golfer of the year. It provided a magnificent and wholesome climax to the 154th Open, a dramatic championship marked by class and controversy. Bryson DeChambeau's two-shot penalty for trampling rough that improved the line of his swing path last Friday will not be forgotten. It was another incident that illustrated why he has become golf's most divisive figure. But something else that should live long in the memory is Fox's fantastic triumph, a victory for a late developer who plays the game at a wonderful pace. "He proved you can win The Open without all the faffing about," was a succinct assessment by our 5 Live editor on site, and it is hard to disagree. It was a joy to walk all 18 holes of Sunday's final round with Fox and the time-efficient Burns playing at such a brisk pace. "See shot, hit shot. That's always been my philosophy," Fox told BBC Sport while clutching the Claret Jug.