Lydia Ko was watching the final moments of The Open at Birkdale on her phone as she rode home in an Uber. She had been following the entire final round of the men’s tournament, making sure to catch every detail of Ryan Fox's performance. When Fox made that decisive drive on the 18th hole, Ko’s emotions exploded all at once. Her reaction was a rush of relief, excitement, and pure joy. She ended up screaming in her home, closing the door behind her, and shouting “Yes!” so loudly that her husband ran in, confused and curious about what had just happened. Ten seconds later, Ko was in tears. Her response to the moment captured the deep connection she felt, not just to the event, but to her fellow Kiwi competitor.
This wasn’t just a random reaction. Ko, 29, has known Fox since their junior golf days. Their friendship dates back to 2010, when she was just 13 and competing at the World Amateur Team Championship in Argentina. She remembers a now-infamous incident where Fox tricked her into drinking red wine from a glass she thought was filled with Coke. With a laugh, Ko admitted it was an early example of Fox’s mischievous, yet endearing personality. Their paths have crossed repeatedly, and their mutual respect has only grown over the years.
A shared history of golf and friendship
Ko has always admired Fox’s unique approach to the game. While she was known for hitting her shots very straight but not particularly far, Fox played a completely different style. He would hit long drives, sometimes from the rough, and still manage to shoot low scores. “So it felt like a different type of sport for me.” Her respect for Fox’s ability to play loose and still perform at a high level is part of what makes her reaction to his win so heartfelt. Fox’s success at Birkdale added another Kiwi name to a proud legacy that includes Sir Bob Charles, who won the British Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in 1963. Now, with Ko competing at the same venue for the AIG Women’s British Open, the possibility of a third Kiwi victory feels very real.
A chance to follow in new footsteps
Andrews two years ago, is hoping to channel Ryan Fox’s fearless energy during the current tournament. She described the opening round at Royal Lytham & St. Annes as one of the most difficult she’s faced at an Open course. Still, her confidence is high, and she’s drawn inspiration from Fox’s recent triumph. “It would be cool to channel my inner Foxy,” she said, hinting at the confidence and boldness she wants to bring to the course. Ko opened with an even-par 72, a solid performance given the challenge of the layout. Her Kiwi pride is also on display, with the potential for history being made at the same venue where Sir Bob Charles once claimed victory.
Fox was quick to highlight Ko’s achievements when he spoke to the media, a response that did not surprise her in the least. She knows what to expect from her longtime friend. “That’s the friend I’ve known for more than half my life,” she said, capturing both the depth of their bond and the mutual respect they share. For Ko, this week is not just about her own performance, but also about celebrating the legacy that Fox has helped continue — and perhaps adding her own name to it. Beth Ann Nichols, a senior Golfweek writer covering the LPGA and women’s golf, first reported this story for Golfweek.