Ryan Fox celebrates British Open win with Claret Jug as he banks $5.48 million with a nod to Kiwi golf history
Tuesday, 21 July 2026
Befitting a life-changing victory and $5.48 million payday, the celebrations began with haste for Ryan Fox in the bar at Royal Birkdale. What else would one drink from the famed Claret Jug?
“There already has been some red wine in there. It got tipped out for some photos, but there will be more red wine in there soon,” Fox told The Golf Channel, cradling the British Open trophy in his left arm.
Some loyal Kiwi punters had reason to celebrate before dawn on a wintry Monday morning, too, with over $2 million paid out in winning bets on Fox, the TAB said. He was paying $151 to win on tournament eve, drifted to $501 after his two-over opening round of 72, then plunged in to $8 after his record-equalling third round of 62.
The biggest winning bet on the world No 56 was $400 at $151 to collect $60,000.
It was even more remarkable as the biggest 36-hole comeback in Open history, with Fox winning after being tied for 56th at halfway. The previous record was held by David Duval who was tied for 35th after 36 holes in 2001.
Along with the US$3.2 million winner’s cheque for the 154th Open, and the title of ‘champion golfer of the year’, Fox gets to keep the replica of the original Claret Jug (created in 1872) for a year before returning it to St Andrew’s for the 155th edition.
And fulfilled the wishes of his young daughters Isabel and Margot, who got a brief FaceTime call with Dad back home in Florida soon after he sank the winning birdie putt on the 18th.
“My kids asked me to bring home a trophy for them, and this is about as cool a one as I can bring home,” he said.
There was also a quip in the press conference that drew laughter, as the 39-year-old’s well known sporting lineage was raised (father Grant Fox an All Black; grandfather Merv Wallace a New Zealand test cricket captain). “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.”
Fox was well aware of history. It was 63 years since Sir Bob Charles - who turned 90 in March - won at Royal Lytham & St Annes, until now the only New Zealander to have hoisted the Claret Jug.
“That's huge for New Zealand golf. We've got four major champions from New Zealand 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, too… 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.”
Sir Bob watched highlights of Fox’s win over breakfast at home near Christchurch, and told Stuff: “It’s a great day for Ryan and a great day for New Zealand golf, and I hope his win inspires a lot of young people that a little country down under of 5 million people can beat the world.”
On the sunburnt fairways there were some wobbles down the stretch as Fox bogeyed 11 and 15, then stood on the 18th tee needing birdie to hoist the silverware and avoid a playoff with American Cameron Young who was lurking on the practice range. Fox was bold, saying he’d live with the consequences if he failed, and hit a solid nine-iron from 160m to leave himself an 11-footer (3.5m) for glory.
“I didn't feel anything for the putt; everything was shaking that much. I was just happy to hit it somewhat near the hole, and to see it go in was incredible.”