British Open winner Fox looks forward to showing off Claret Jug, finding a steak pie in New Zealand

Newly crowned British Open champion Ryan Fox returned to New Zealand on Friday, ready to celebrate his historic triumph with loved ones. The 39-year-old golfer, the first New Zealander to win golf's oldest major since Bob Charles in 1963, decided to cut short the post-major festivities to share the moment back home.

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We made kind of a little bit of a last-minute decision to come home and celebrate with friends and family while it's still fresh.

Fox expressed his excitement about being home, despite feeling tired after the whirlwind week. He plans to spend time with his parents and proudly display the Claret Jug trophy. A classic Kiwi comfort food, a steak, bacon jam, and cheese pie from a local bakery, is also high on his list of priorities.

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I'm definitely not fresh at the moment ... but excited to be home.

His young daughters have taken a particular liking to the famous trophy, which Fox humorously admits they consider their own. He hasn't yet found the heart to tell them it belongs to him and must eventually be returned.

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I will just spend some time with mum and dad. I'll get the trophy out of the case and show it off.

Fox's victory at Royal Birkdale generated significant celebration across New Zealand, dominating media coverage. He hopes to fit in a round of golf with friends and perhaps some fishing during his stay. However, he anticipates that New Zealand's typical wet winter weather might hinder these plans. Fox expects the next 10 days to be busy with various engagements but is clearly relishing being back on home soil.

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And probably wouldn't mind a pie either.