‘Well done, Ryan’: Auckland club pays tribute to British Open winner

Monday, 20 July 2026

Ryan Fox was a popular member of an Auckland golf course, where he may next return with a replica of one of the world’s most sought-after trophies.

Ian Blair, club captain of the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, where Fox has been a member since a teen, paid tribute to the British Open winner.

“You couldn’t find a nicer guy and more worthy champion golfer of the year,” Blair said.

“Our club has been privileged to watch Ryan develop from a fine young man with potential to a champion player and member.

“Well done, Ryan.”

Club chief executive Ed Chapman said Fox’s “amazing round” - the record-equalling eight-under 62 that thrust him back into contention - generated a good deal of excitement around the club.

“That was certainly the talk of the club throughout the day on Sunday,” he said.

While there was no official gathering at the club at the time Fox approached the 18th - largely due to the time difference - there “was certainly quite a few messages found in various, member WhatsApp groups that there at the end,” Chapman said.

For those not familiar with Fox’s game, it was his ability “to perform under pressure, [which] was certainly what shone through”.

Fox did not appear to be fazed on the final day after delivering a “classic Open championship performance,” Chapman said.

“As he put it, he was nervous, but he managed to still perform, which is the hallmark of a great golfer.”

Fox would have taken confidence from his play-off win at the the 2025 RBC Canadian Open: “You’ve got to be brave to win golf tournaments.”

“You can’t defend your way around a golf course if you haven't got the lead, and you’ve got to go out there and win it … and he certainly did that.”

Fox had been a member of the club since he was 14, and had won club champs and some other trophies at the Papatoetoe-based club.

His coach, Marcus Wheelhouse, was also the club’s director of coaching, “so Ryan’s here, a lot of the time”.

Fox also ran an invitational programme at the club, Chasing the Fox, a short- format golf event, and “he’s a big part of the club, he’s fondly liked because he’s just a really great guy”.

“He’s always got time for people and, the club’s been really proud to have him.”

Fox always made time to speak to club members, but would he ever have to buy a drink again?

“I think the members will be queuing up to buy a drink for him,” Chapman said.

It was his understanding that the British Open champion gets to keep a version of the famed Claret Jug, for a year, so it would be a privilege to have a trophy first awarded in 1873 at the club at some point.

“I’m hoping he’ll bring it out to the club when he’s here, and a lot of people are excited to see him with it.”

Fox’s win would also serve as an inspiration for the club’s 250 junior golfers.