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Fox’s major win gives him freedom to do ‘anything he wants’
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 20th, 2026 11:32 am
Ryan Fox kisses the Claret Jug | Photo: Matthew Harris/Golf Picture Agency
Ryan Fox’s breakthrough major victory has given him the freedom to shape the rest of his career on his own terms, according to New Zealand Golf general manager Dave Mangan.
Fox became just the fourth New Zealander to claim a golf major, winning the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale after delivering the ultimate round.
Speaking after the win Monday's win (NZ Time), Mangan told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy the achievement had changed what was possible for Fox moving forward.
Ryan Fox's winning putt on the 18th at Royal Birkdale | Photo: Matthew Harris/Golf Picture Agency
“He can do anything he wants to now, with regards to his schedule, right?
“Foxy can walk into any golf tournament he wants for the rest of his life.
“I know that when you get to the top, you make so much money but when you're coming through the grades, not having the certainty of a card or where you're going to play next week is the most difficult thing about it.”
Ryan Fox on the craziness of becoming the Champion Golfer of the Year | Sport Nation
Mangan said the scale of the achievement is still sinking in for those close to Fox and New Zealand golf.
“It's all a bit of a blur," he explained.
“Everyone here is literally in shock but he's achieved something that he's dreamt about and he's been trying to do for 20 years.
“It may be the thing that kicks him on to win more majors because he's won one, why can't he now go and win three or four?”
Listen to the full interview below:
