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Ryan Fox looking forward to bringing Claret Jug back home

The 39-year-old said he wanted to bring the trophy home to New Zealand and “pretty much just show it off”. (Source: Breakfast)

Open Championship winner Ryan Fox is plotting a victory lap of New Zealand, with a long list of people ready to welcome him – and his Claret Jug – back home.

"I think it's really important, the last time it was here was 63 years ago when Sir Bob [Charles] won," he told Breakfast.

"I only get to keep the real one for a year, I've got to give it back at St Andrews next year which – you think something like that, I get to take the oldest trophy in golf back to the home of golf next year as a defending champion – that's pretty amazing.

Ryan Fox and caddie Dean Smith celebrate victory.

"I want to bring it back to New Zealand to take it to Mum and Dad, I'll have a queue of mates ready to drink out of that thing – I'm going to be quite happy to oblige."

He plans on taking it to the golf clubs that have influenced his remarkable career, as he attempts to come back down to earth following his famous win.

Ryan Fox celebrates his victory

"It's going to take a long time just sink in, I know my life's going to change pretty significantly in the next little while and lots of ways I won't be able to foresee."

He's acutely aware of the increased scrutiny that is set to come his way – but also thankful for the security a major win guarantees in terms of entry to future events.

The 39-year-old has already heard from former New Zealand major winners Michael Campbell and Dame Lydia Ko.

Ryan Fox of New Zealand poses with the Claret Jug trophy after winning the British Open Golf championships at Royal Birkdale

And he received a message from Sir Bob.

"I like my golf history, I know what he achieved in 1963 winning at Latham, so to follow in his footsteps there is incredible and to have him message me and be so proud... means the world, to be honest.

"I just want to say thanks to New Zealand it's been amazing all the support. Thank you so much."

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