Kiwi Glory at the Open: Ryan Fox Puts New Zealand Golf on the World Stage

By Steve McKean

Ryan Fox: New Zealand’s New Major Champion

On July 19, 2026, 39-year-old Ryan Fox etched his name into golfing history, holing an 11-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole at Royal Birkdale to win The Open Championship by one shot over American Cameron Young. Fox closed with a final-round 68 to finish at 10-under 270, capping an extraordinary comeback that saw him sit tied for 52nd after 36 holes before firing a third-round 62 — tying the lowest score in men’s major championship history — to launch himself into contention.

The son of All Blacks rugby legend Grant Fox and grandson of former New Zealand cricket captain Merv Wallace, Ryan Fox becomes only the third New Zealand man to win a major championship, joining Sir Bob Charles (1963 Open) and Michael Campbell (2005 U.S. Open), alongside compatriot Lydia Ko’s multiple major titles on the women’s tour. “We punch above our weight,” Fox said afterward, reflecting on his country’s rich, if compact, history of major champions.

Home is Where the Links Are: Te Arai Links

While Fox’s PGA Tour and DP World Tour journey has taken him across the globe, his golfing heart remains firmly planted on New Zealand’s stunning Te Arai coastline. Te Arai Links is officially listed as his home club, its logo emblazoned on his bag throughout his career. Fox has even broken the course record there — carding a bogey-free 60 during a casual round with friends in 2023.

Located roughly 90 minutes north of Auckland on New Zealand’s rugged Northland coast, Te Arai Links is a 36-hole complex that has rapidly become one of the most talked-about golf destinations on the planet. It’s the sister property to the ultra-exclusive Tara Iti Golf Club, sharing the same jaw-dropping stretch of dunes, native bush and Pacific coastline.

North Course – Designed by Tom Doak, opened in October 2023 to rave reviews. Doak’s minimalist approach lets the natural, shifting dunes do the talking, with wavy, undulating greens that reward creativity and shot-shaping around the flag.
South Course – Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, currently ranked 2nd in New Zealand. A pure links layout built through sand dunes and fescue, it’s a walking-only experience that captures old-world links golf at its finest.

Both courses run along a spectacular, largely untouched beach, and the property is anchored by Ric’s Restaurant (overlooking a dramatic 18-hole putting circuit) and the acclaimed Ocean Restaurant beside the South Course’s 18th green, known for showcasing New Zealand’s best seafood and produce just steps from the Pacific surf.

Ready to walk the same dunes as a major champion? Explore the Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour →

Te Arai’s Place in the Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour

Given its pedigree — and now its connection to a reigning major champion — it’s no surprise that Te Arai Links anchors the opening leg of Luxury Adventures’ Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour, a 12-day, bucket-list itinerary designed for serious golfers and their travelling companions alike (Luxury Adventures).

The journey begins in Auckland at the Hotel Britomart, before a helicopter transfer whisks guests to Te Arai Links for two nights in the Ocean Cottages. Golfers play both the South Course (Day 1) and North Course (Day 2), while non-golfing companions can enjoy horse riding along the dunes or a 90-minute relaxation massage. From there, the tour flies on to some of New Zealand’s most storied golf addresses:

Rosewood Kauri Cliffs (Bay of Islands) – golf on the cliff-top David Harman-designed course, plus a private superyacht charter around the Bay of Islands
The Farm, Cape Kidnappers (Hawke’s Bay) – Tom Doak’s celebrated “golf at the edge of the earth,” paired with wine tours at Craggy Range
Kinloch Manor & Villas (Taupo) – golf at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch Club overlooking Lake Taupo
Queenstown – rounds at Millbrook Resort (home of the New Zealand Open), Jacks Point, Over The Top heli-golf 4,500 feet up in the Southern Alps, and the exclusive Hills private course, capped by a Gala Dinner at Kinross Winery

The tour is fully inclusive of luxury accommodation, private helicopter and jet transfers, green fees, daily lunches, and premium wine, beer and spirits — a true five-star showcase of New Zealand’s golf, landscapes and hospitality, with Te Arai Links as the spectacular launching point.

Spaces are limited on this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary. Enquire now about the Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Te Arai Links open to the public, or is it members-only?
Te Arai Links offers resort play for guests staying on-site, alongside a membership program. Guests booking through the Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour play as resort guests, giving them access to both the North and South Courses.

How difficult are the North and South Courses at Te Arai Links?
Both courses are playable and enjoyable for a range of skill levels thanks to generous fairways, but the firm, wind-exposed links conditions and undulating greens reward accurate, creative shot-making — expect a true test even for low-handicappers.

What’s the best time of year to play Te Arai Links and do the tour?
New Zealand’s golf season runs year-round, but the warmer months from October to April offer the most reliable weather for coastal links golf and heli-golf excursions in Queenstown.

Do non-golfers have things to do on the Ultra-Luxe tour?
Yes — the itinerary includes spa treatments, horse riding, superyacht charters, wine tours and scenic excursions at every stop, making it well suited to couples and groups with mixed golfing interests.

How long is the Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour and what’s included?
It’s a 12-day itinerary including luxury accommodation, private jet/helicopter transfers, green fees, daily lunches and premium beverages throughout.

Can I customise the itinerary?
Luxury Adventures tailors each tour, so courses, accommodation and activities can be adjusted — contact the team directly to discuss your preferences.

Want to follow in Ryan Fox’s footsteps? Get in touch with Luxury Adventures today →

Final Thoughts

Ryan Fox’s Open Championship victory is more than a personal triumph. It’s a spotlight moment for New Zealand golf on the world stage, and Te Arai Links sits right at the heart of it. The Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour offers a rare chance to experience that magic first hand, paired with the kind of seamless, five-star hospitality New Zealand does best. Whether you’re a low-handicapper chasing world-class links golf or simply looking for an unforgettable luxury escape with your travel companions, this is a journey that delivers on every level.

Don’t just watch the highlights — live them. Start planning your Ultra-Luxe New Zealand Golf Tour →

Written by Steve McKean, Co-Owner of Luxury Adventures

Luxury Adventures has over 2 decades of crafting bespoke luxury travel experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Steve is passionate about showcasing the region’s most unforgettable places, from hidden alpine retreats, sunny paradises to world-class golf courses.

A keen golfer and travel lover, he blends insider knowledge with a deep respect for local culture and sustainability. When not curating extraordinary journeys, you’ll find him exploring off-the-beaten-path lodges or teeing off at sunrise.

For more information email us: info@luxuryadventures.co.nz or follow our adventures on Instagram here

Linkedin: Connect with Luxury Adventures Directors Steve McKean & Dee McKean