Ryan Fox hoisted the famous Claret Jug in front of thousands of cheering fans in Auckland after returning home as the newly crowned British Open champion. Photo: AFP
Ryan Fox received a hero's welcome in Auckland on Tuesday as thousands flocked to see the new British Open champion and the famous Claret Jug after "a whirlwind few days" since the New Zealander won his maiden major.
Fox triumphed at the 154th Open at Royal Birkdale in England just over a week ago, holding his nerve over a knee-knocking 12-foot putt on the final green to finish 10 under par and win by one stroke.
The only other New Zealander to lift the Claret Jug was Bob Charles in 1963, at Lytham and St Annes just along the English north-west coast from Birkdale. Only two other New Zealanders have ever won golf majors.
Michael Campbell triumphed at the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst, while Lydia Ko won three women's majors, including the 2024 Women's British Open at St Andrews.
