Ryan Fox will head to Melbourne in December with the chance to achieve something no New Zealander has managed before — win the men’s Australian Open.
Less than five months after becoming the first Kiwi in 63 years to win The Open, Fox will tee it up at Kingston Heath Golf Club from December 3-6, chasing another significant piece of Australasian golf history.
No New Zealander has won the Australian Open since the championship was first played in 1904, something Fox admitted had escaped him.
“I didn’t actually realise that,” Fox said. “It would certainly be nice to break that duck. Hopefully we can give it a go.”
He will also arrive in Melbourne with a famous travelling companion — the Claret Jug.
“It’s a pretty cool travelling companion,” Fox said.
Fox Relishing Kingston Heath Challenge
Kingston Heath is one of Fox’s favourite courses and provides a venue where the Kiwi believes his game can stand up against a high-quality international field.
“Kingston Heath is one of the best golf courses in the world, and one of my favourites, so I’m excited about playing it,” he said.
“I know my golf game is good enough to compete with the top guys in the world.”
His approach will be straightforward: get himself into contention and give himself another Sunday opportunity.
“Go out that weekend and try to make sure the golf game is there, and give yourself a chance on Sunday,” Fox said.
“Anything can happen from there.”
A Trophy With Serious History
Winning the Stonehaven Cup would place Fox alongside some of the biggest names in golf.
Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Gene Sarazen, Greg Norman and Rory McIlroy are among the champions whose names appear on the Australian Open honour roll.
Northern Ireland’s McIlroy will return to Australia this year as another major drawcard in the field.
Fox believes the championship’s growing international connections, quality venues and additional rewards are helping restore its place on the global calendar.
“It’s always a tournament with such great history,” Fox said.
“If you look at who’s won the Stonehaven Cup, it’s pretty impressive. It’s a who’s who of golf.”
The Australian Open also carries major championship incentives, adding further significance for players competing at Kingston Heath.
Claret Jug Coming To Melbourne
Fox’s own major breakthrough came at Royal Birkdale in July, where he became only the second New Zealander after Sir Bob Charles to become Champion Golfer of the Year.
The Claret Jug has remained close ever since — including during international travel.
“I get a couple of funny looks from security and everything,” Fox said.
“Then I tell them it’s a trophy in it, and they’re like, ‘OK, whatever, you can bring it’.”
Australian golf fans can therefore expect to see one of the game’s most famous trophies accompanying Fox to Melbourne.
The Australian Open runs from December 3-6, one week after the Australian PGA Championship at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.
Fox has already delivered one historic victory for New Zealand golf in 2026.
At Kingston Heath, he will have the opportunity to deliver another.
