23/07/2026
As Ryan Fox stormed to victory at Royal Birkdale, fellow Kiwi Lydia Ko felt like she couldn't breathe.
"I was crying," Ko told Fox when the two New Zealand stars caught up on the phone after his Open Championship win.
Ko answered with: "Hello, Champion Golfer of the Year," while pumping her fist in celebration.
What stood out most was how often Fox made sure Ko's achievements were mentioned alongside his own.
Several times after winning, Fox was told he was joining Bob Charles and Michael Campbell as New Zealand major champions. Each time, he was quick to add:
"And Dame Lydia Ko, who has three of them."
Fox believes his victory can have a huge impact on golf in New Zealand, a country that continues to produce world-class talent despite its size.
"Dame Lydia Ko has won, what, three majors and she's not even 30 yet. It's pretty crazy."
A classy gesture from Fox, making sure one of New Zealand's greatest golfers got her flowers while he celebrated the biggest win of his career. 🇳🇿🏆
via Golf Channel