New Zealanders wake to a new major champion, heap praise on Ryan Fox
New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has won the British Open, becoming the nation's fourth major champion. The victory has been celebrated by the public and praised by legendary golfer Sir Bob Charles for Fox's efficient style of play.
Why it matters
Major sporting achievements often serve as significant cultural touchstones for smaller nations, boosting national morale and pride.
When Ryan Fox rolled in a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole at Royal Birkdale to win the British Open by one shot, it was just past 5:30 a.m. in his homeland and the sun hadn’t yet risen.
Most New Zealanders woke on Monday (July 20, 2026) to a wintry morning and the news their small nation had its fourth major golf champion.
Those who followed Fox on television throughout the night were able to watch him lift the Claret Jug before heading bleary-eyed but happily to work.
Sir Bob Charles, who was New Zealand’s first major winner and the first left-handed player to win a major when he won the British Open in 1963, is now 90 and watched Fox’s found round in replay at a more congenial hour.
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