From lifting the Claret Jug at The Open to putting his name behind Big Buddy once again, Ryan Fox is having a year to remember – and we are beyond proud to be a part of it.
Earlier this year, Ryan became just the second New Zealander to win The Open Championship, lifting the famous Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale.
Now, Ryan is putting his support behind us again, nominating the Big Buddy Foundation as the beneficiary of a charitable contribution. The contribution was made as part of Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour – with eligible PGA Tour members invited to nominate charitable organisations around the world to receive support. Ryan chose the Big Buddy Foundation, recognising the importance of the work we do to support boys through mentoring and positive male role models.
For us, it’s particularly special because Ryan has supported Big Buddy before.
Ryan has been in our corner before
Last year, Ryan chose Big Buddy as his charity for the 2025 Chasing the Fox golfing festival, alongside fellow Kiwi professional Daniel Hillier.
They went on to win the tournament, taking home a $15,000 donation prize for Big Buddy. Ryan then personally matched the prize money with another personal $15,000 donation, doubling the amount going to Big Buddy.
So when Ryan nominated Big Buddy for this PGA Tour donation, it was a welcome show of support.
Ryan’s decision to support Big Buddy again says a lot about his belief in the difference we can make in boys’ lives.
Why Big Buddy?
At Big Buddy, we believe that having a consistent, positive male role model can make a lasting difference in a boy’s life.
We match boys aged 7 to 13 with volunteer male mentors – Big Buddies – who become a regular and trusted part of their lives.
They might kick a ball around, head outdoors, work on a project, watch sport or simply hang out and talk. It isn’t about being a perfect role model or having all the answers. It’s about showing up, building trust and being someone a boy can count on.
For boys growing up without a dad or positive male role model in their lives, that relationship can be incredibly important.
More boys are waiting
The need for Big Buddy continues to grow, with boys across the country waiting for the opportunity to be matched with a mentor.
Every new match takes time and care. Our Big Buddies are carefully screened, trained and supported, and families are supported throughout the mentoring relationship.
Support from people like Ryan helps us create more opportunities for boys to experience the difference that can come from having someone consistently in their corner.
A big year for Ryan – and a big thank you
It’s been an extraordinary year for Ryan, and we’re grateful that in amongst everything he has achieved on the golf course, he has continued to support Big Buddy.
His support has helped shine a light on the importance of positive male role models for boys.
We’re incredibly grateful to Ryan for choosing Big Buddy again, and to Brooks Koepka for making this charitable contribution and to the PGA Tour for facilitating the opportunity.
Ultimately, support like this helps us give more boys the opportunity to have someone who shows up, listens, encourages them and believes in them. Someone who can be there through the ups and downs and help them see what they’re capable of.
That’s what being in a boy’s corner is all about.
