After a whirlwind global victory lap that carried him across continents with golf’s most iconic prize, the Claret Jug, newly crowned British Open champion Ryan Fox touched down on home soil in New Zealand on Friday, already craving two simple post-triumph pleasures: a deep, uninterrupted sleep and one of his favorite local gourmet pies.
The 39-year-old golfer was greeted with a warm family welcome at Auckland Airport, where his father Grant Fox — a former All Blacks rugby legend — pulled him into an embrace alongside Fox’s wife Anneke and their two children. Fox secured his first-ever major championship victory last Sunday at Royal Birkdale, clinching the title with a birdie on the tournament’s final 18th hole.
“It’s good to be back,” Fox told reporters shortly after clearing customs.
Just hours after his arrival, members of the press tracked the new champion down at his neighborhood bakery, where he was already digging into his go-to order: a loaded steak, bacon, jam and cheese pie. In the coming weeks, Fox says he plans to share his historic trophy with fans across the country, fit in a few fishing trips, and squeeze in a casual round of golf with old friends — but not before he catches up on much-needed rest. Since claiming the Claret Jug, his schedule has been packed with nonstop travel, media interviews and victory events, leaving little time for sleep.
“I had a glass of wine, took a couple of sleeping pills and had more sleep last night than I’ve had the last four nights. It’s nice,” Fox shared. “I’m sure jetlag’s going to get me and I feel like I’m going to be pulled in every direction possible over the next 10 days or so we’re home. It’s definitely nice to be home.”
Fox says he has already packed his golf clubs for casual outings with friends, though uncooperative weather may put a temporary hold on his plans. “We’ll see how it goes over the next couple of days. I’d like to catch up and play with some mates. I’ve had a look at the forecast and it doesn’t look real good over the next little while. I don’t want to play golf in the rain if I have to. But I’d like to get out on the course,” he explained.
The champion also expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received from New Zealanders and golf fans around the world since his historic win. “The support’s been unbelievable, to be honest; I can’t thank people enough,” he said.
Fox also shared a piece of valuable advice he received from two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, who reached out to congratulate him after the victory. Thomas told Fox to hold onto every small memory of his first major win, as those moments will become meaningful touchstones down the line. Fox noted that perspective from a seasoned champion who has experienced both the high of major victory and the challenges of career slumps means a great deal.
“Having someone who has gone through that — winning a major, accomplishing some dreams and then going through some down times as well,” Fox added. “I can imagine being able to draw on that is really important and a good nugget of advice.”