Coping with glory no trouble to Ryan Fox - the 'Irish' Kiwi

Ryan Fox of New Zealand walks on the fourth hole during a practice round, prior to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club on September 15, 2026 in Virginia Water, England. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Ryan Fox reckons he's handling life-changing success in the way you'd expect from a Kiwi - or an Irishman.

The New Zealander's first major win came in July's dramatic Open Championship. Fox is in Wentworth for  BMW PGA Championship and the golf itself will be retreat from the whirlwind associated with his changed status.

"Obviously it feels like everything's changed at the minute. I'm still getting used to that. Everything is busier. I feel like time management is hard. It's the stuff you kind of expect after doing something like that, and yeah, still a process of getting used to it but it's nice to be back here and I do have great memories around here.

"I'm looking forward to the week and kind of treat the golf course a little bit like a sanctuary that I can still control what's going on for the most part out there, and kind of go with the flow."

Going with the flow of acclaim is something, of course, that Fox Junior learnt about early in life, from watching father Grant, the star All Blacks fly-half and 1987 Rugby World Cup winner.

"Obviously I grew up with it, so I saw how he handled himself. I thought he did a really good job of giving people his time and I tried to copy that as much as possible. I haven't spent much time back in New Zealand.

"Kiwis are a bit different in that regard. We don't have as much of a celebrity culture like in America, that they do. Used to getting stopped going down the street and handled it pretty well and hopefully I can do the same as well."

But Fox isn't making any claims that his signature triumph matches his dad's — at least with folk at home.

"The World Cup's pretty big in our country. For us, everyone in New Zealand feels almost pain when we lose and celebrate with them when they win. World Cup is a pretty big achievement for us. But I think it's at least close."

Shane Lowry, well placed to assess how an Open win changes lives, says Fox's was a universally popular success.

"He's a nice guy. Foxy is like salt of the earth. He's just a normal — he reminds me of — I think his upbringing and where he's from is quite similar to someone like me. He reminds of an Irishman to be honest.

"Before I left to come out, I was talking to him in Florida. Had a good chat with him about everything and just asked him how he was getting along. It's obviously amazing. It's great to see a popular winner, and it's great to see someone that everyone is happy for him on the tour. And Foxy is just... I don't think this win or anything that comes with it will change him."

Pressed on the Kiwi-Ireland vibe, Fox went with the flow. 

"I always try to be myself in that regard and always felt like I get along with everyone easily. I have a lot of good friends out here and it's been pretty incredible. Coming back here, the reception has been incredible. I've obviously done something right over the years to have that reception -- and it's not just from players, it's staff and caddies and everything else. 

"From that regard, I've obviously handled myself fairly well over the last few years, and hopefully it doesn't come off as contrived. I'm just trying to be me. It's been great to have that reception over here.

"In terms of the Irish and Kiwi stuff, I feel like we've got a lot in common. We both don't have great weather. We enjoy having a bit of fun. I think we enjoy... there are some similar sports as well. Shane and I have a big passion for rugby. I would say a lot of our conversation is around that, and I feel like there's always a mutual respect there, as well.

"I think a lot of it comes down to rugby union between our nations. I think there's always been a great respect both ways. Yeah, I've always enjoyed hanging out with the Irishmen. One of my best mates at home is Irish. He's been a mate for 30 years. Yeah, it's just, I think, pretty similar cultures. Pretty similar outlook on life and I think that's why we get along so well."