Ryan Fox makes unsurprising announcement hours after winning The Open

Ryan Fox has withdrawn from this week's 3M Open just hours after claiming his maiden major title at The Open Championship.

The New Zealander's decision comes as little surprise, with players frequently opting to skip the week immediately following a major victory.

Fox, who lives in London, England, was spotted flying home to Heathrow on a British Airways flight on Monday morning following his memorable victory at Royal Birkdale. 

Travelling in economy, the newly crowned Champion Golfer of the Year was seen boarding the aircraft carrying the famous Claret Jug in its protective case before carefully placing the famous trophy in the overhead locker above his seat.

Fox produced a stunning finish at Royal Birkdale on Sunday, closing birdie-par-birdie to secure the Claret Jug at 10-under par, one stroke ahead of Players Championship winner Cameron Young.

The victory completed a remarkable rise for the 39-year-old, who has now won three times on the PGA Tour and climbed from 56th to 22nd in the Official World Golf Ranking.

With major champion status now secured, Fox also earns greater flexibility over his playing schedule and can afford to be more selective with his tournament commitments.

No surprise to see Fox WD

Fox's withdrawal from the 3M Open follows a familiar pattern on the PGA Tour where major wins are concerned. 

Rory McIlroy bypassed the RBC Heritage the week after successfully defending the green jacket at The Masters in April, and England's Aaron Rai also chose to skip the CJ Cup Byron Nelson immediately after winning his maiden major at the PGA Championship in May. 

Not every major winner takes the same approach, however, as Wyndham Clark teed it up at the Travelers Championship after winning the U.S. Open for the second time in his career last month. 

Fox has been replaced in the 3M Open field by Argentina's two-time PGA Tour winner Fabian Gomez.

The 2026 3M Open gets underway on Thursday at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, with players battling for valuable FedEx Cup points ahead of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, which begin in Memphis in three weeks' time.

Scheffler headlines 3M Open

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the field alongside defending champion Kurt Kitayama.

Scheffler will make his first ever appearance at the 3M Open as he searches for a second PGA Tour victory of the season, having opened his campaign with victory at The American Express.

Despite finishing tied fourth at The Open, Scheffler once again impressed from tee to green but was held back by a cold putter. 

He ranked among the weakest performers in Strokes Gained: Putting at Royal Birkdale, preventing him from successfully defending the Claret Jug.

Players will compete this week for a total purse of $8.8 million, with $1.584 million going to the winner.

Elsewhere, Stefano Mazzoli joins the field after securing his first PGA Tour title at the Corales Puntacana Championship on Sunday. 

The victory, achieved in just his third PGA Tour start, earned the Italian full PGA Tour membership and a two-year exemption.