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New Zealand’s latest sporting superstar, golfer Ryan Fox, is being accorded a civic reception next Tuesday and the public is invited to celebrate his recent monumental success at The Open.
Fox, of Beachlands and who started his playing career at Whitford Park Golf Club, will be the toast of Auckland and the nation at a lunchtime event in the city’s downtown on July 28.
Organisers say the “public celebration”, staged by Auckland Council Events, is at 12pm midday next Tuesday in Takutai Square in the Britomart precinct, where Fox will be joined by Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown and Golf New Zealand representatives.
“One of the first things I wanted to do was come home,” says Fox, after his first victory in one of the world’s major golf tournaments, his highly significant one-shot win at The Open at the Royal Birkdale course in Southport, England, last weekend.
Organisers say Fox wants to share his historic Open Championship victory with the country that has supported him throughout his career.
“The public celebration in his hometown of Auckland next Tuesday gives New Zealanders an opportunity to salute the newly crowned major champion and see one of world sport’s most famous trophies – the Claret Jug.”
Fox memorably produced a dramatic finish at Royal Birkdale, sinking a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to win The Open Championship by a shot.
“It’s been a whirlwind few days since winning The Open and, to be fair, my head is still spinning as I take in what I’ve achieved and what’s to come,” he says.
“But one of the first things I wanted to do was come home and share this incredibly special time with my family, friends and all the Kiwis who have supported me throughout my career.”
Mayor Wayne Brown says the city is looking forward to giving Ryan a fitting welcome home.
“Ryan’s done Auckland and New Zealand proud. I encourage Aucklanders to come into the city, see the Claret Jug in Takutai Square and give one of our greatest sporting champions the welcome home he deserves.”
Golf NZ acting chief executive and high-performance general manager, Gregg Thorpe, says Fox’s triumph at Royal Birkdale is a “landmark moment” for golf in this land.
“Through his will to keep improving and his competitive desire he has shown every young golfer in this country what’s possible when talent is matched with Kiwi determination.
“We couldn’t be prouder of him and we’re looking forward to celebrating this achievement with him, his family and New Zealand.”
Fox is the fourth New Zealander to win a major golf championship, alongside Sir Bob Charles, Michael Campbell, and Dame Lydia Ko.
His victory also continues a special New Zealand connection with the iconic Claret Jug, 63 years after Sir Bob became the first Kiwi – and first left-handed golfer – to win The Open Championship in 1963.
“New Zealanders are invited to come together, wear black, and celebrate one of the country’s greatest international sporting achievements as Fox proudly holds the Claret Jug aloft on home soil,” say organisers.
