Ryan Fox became the Champion Golfer of the Year at The Open, securing a one-shot victory over Cameron Young at Royal Birkdale with a brilliant birdie on the 72nd hole. The 39-year-old New Zealander then delivered an emotional message to his two daughters, Isobel and Margot, who were watching from their Florida home.
“My kids asked me to bring home a trophy for them and this is about as cool a one as I can bring home, I think,” Fox said. “To Isobel and Margot, Dad’s got a trophy for you.”
Family Legacy of Sporting Greatness
Fox’s triumph extends an extraordinary family tradition of elite sporting achievement. His father, Grant Fox, was a Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks captain, and his grandfather, Merv Wallace, captained the New Zealand Test cricket team. Ryan is now The Open champion.
“We’ve got a great history in our family,” Fox said. “The other great thing is I had no pressure on me to follow in any of their footsteps. I was lucky enough to carve my own path and had support from both my grandfather early on and, obviously, mum and dad through the whole thing. I don’t know if this tops their achievements, but it’s certainly right up there. I guess there’s no pressure on my kids going forward now!”
Second Kiwi to Win The Open
Fox became only the second New Zealander to lift the Claret Jug, following Sir Bob Charles in 1963. He joins a select group of Kiwi major champions, including Michael Campbell, Lydia Ko, and Sir Bob Charles.
“1963, wasn’t it, at Lytham? So that’s huge for New Zealand golf,” Fox reflected. “I think we’ve got four major champions now. Michael Campbell, Lydia Ko, a multi-major champion, and Sir Bob, so to be able to join them is amazing. To have my own little piece of history, I don’t know if it’s something I’ve dreamed of. I don’t know if it’s something I ever thought was possible, but we’re here now.”
Surreal Victory and Impact on New Zealand Golf
Fox described his victory as “unbelievable, surreal, crazy,” recalling how he used to wake up in the middle of the night to watch The Open back home in New Zealand. He expressed gratitude to his family and supporters, acknowledging the late-night viewing for fans in New Zealand.
“My family back in New Zealand and all my supporters back there, I know it’s been a long night for them, it’s going to ruin a lot of guys’ Monday mornings, but I’m glad it was worthwhile,” he said. “I think this will be huge for New Zealand golf. Look, I think we punch above our weight a little bit in New Zealand anyway. Dame Lydia has won three majors and she’s not even 30 yet. It’s pretty crazy. Recreationally the game has been booming pretty much since Covid. Hopefully this adds a little bit to that.”
