What is Chasing the Fox?
Big Buddy Mentoring Trust was proud to be part of an unforgettable day of golf, generosity and community spirit at Chasing the Fox — an event that brought together some of Aotearoa’s biggest sporting names and celebrities, all quite literally chasing the Fox and finding themselves in very good company along the way.
The headline pairing of two-time PGA Tour winner Ryan Fox and fellow professional Daniel Hillier proved too strong for the rest of the field. Playing for Big Buddy Mentoring Trust, the duo took out the title and the winners’ cheque of $15,000.
Ryan Fox, being the incredibly generous, thoughtful and driven guy that he is, then took things to another level, matching the prize money with a personal donation of $15,000 — a contribution that was, by any measure a huge drive shot!
Stars on the Green
The Chasing the Fox course read like a sporting honour roll, with teams representing the NZ Warriors, All Whites, All Blacks, Black Caps, media personalities, former Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key, and the Manuka Doctor Legends, including 2005 US Open champion Michael Campbell.
The competition stayed tight throughout the day, with several golfing teams right in the mix. She Loves Golf finished an impressive tied second place, staying in contention right through to the final holes and proving they were never far off the pace.
Golf for a Cause: Supporting Big Buddy
Members of the Big Buddy team were out on course, joined by some of our Big and Little Buddies, who were keen to soak up the action and see elite golfers and sports stars up close. For many, it was a chance to watch shots and see players you only usually spot on TV and walk the course alongside the players.
This marked the second time Big Buddy has been involved in Chasing the Fox, having been the official Charity Partner in 2024. The refreshed 2025 format saw each team play for their chosen charity, and we were absolutely delighted that Ryan Fox and Daniel Hillier chose Big Buddy as the cause they would tee it up for.
We were honoured to stand alongside the other NZ Charities selected, and celebrate the mahi we collectively undertake across the motu. Naming rights sponsor Manuka Phuel clearly showing their belief in this community work announcing on the day that all charities would also recieve a $15,000 donation for being selected.
Beyond the Fairways
The day’s action reached well beyond the fairways, with live coverage on TVNZ in New Zealand and FOX overseas, helping share the story with audiences at home and around the world — and ensuring Big Buddy’s message travelled well beyond the green.
Why Events Like This Matter
We extend our sincere thanks to Ryan Fox, Daniel Hillier, all participating teams, organisers, broadcasters and supporters who helped make Chasing the Fox such a success. Thanks to their generosity, Big Buddy can continue to drive our mission forward — supporting boys to build confidence, resilience and brighter futures, one buddy match at a time.
