‘Still miss him’: Kiwi gun’s touching Warne reveal as big boost for Aussie flagship event confirmed

Ryan Fox hopes to finish a "memorable" 2026 in style by becoming the first man since 1981 to win the British and Australian Open titles in the same year.

The New Zealand star, who won his first major when he triumphed at the British Open at Royal Birkdale in July, has confirmed his participation in the December 4-7 Australian Open at Melbourne's Kingston Heath Golf Club.

FOX SPORTS, available on Kayo Sports, is streaming The 2026 PGA Tour LIVE & Exclusive.

Only three men - Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Bill Rogers - have won the British and Australian Open crowns in the same calendar year, with American Rogers the most recent player to have achieved the feat 45 years ago.

"It's been the most memorable year of my golfing career, and to finish it by coming back to Australia and playing the Australian Open is something I'm really looking forward to," Fox said.

"Winning The Open was obviously a career highlight and something I'll never forget, but I've still got plenty of motivation to finish the year strongly.

"The Australian Open is a tournament with a lot of history and one I've always enjoyed being part of.

"I love coming back to Melbourne and playing on the Sandbelt. The courses are so good, they're a great test of golf and there's a real passion for the game in that part of the world. Kingston Heath is a fantastic venue for an Australian Open.

"It would be pretty special to cap off what's been an incredible year with a strong performance.

"I'm looking forward to getting back out there, enjoying the atmosphere and giving myself a chance to be in the finish on Sunday.

"Hopefully, we'll see plenty of Kiwis out there in the galleries."

Fox's presence at Kingston Heath will add to a stellar field that already includes back-to-back Masters winner Rory McIlroy, Joaquin Niemann, Corey Conners, Saheeth Theegala, Daniel Hillier, Carlos Ortiz, Sebastian Munoz, Josele Ballester, Cameron Smith and Adam Scott.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Fox's addition to the Australian Open field was "another major boost" for co-sanctioned Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour event.

"Ryan has had an incredible year," Sutherland said.

"To have him joining Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, gives Australian fans a fantastic opportunity to see two of the biggest names in world golf competing at Kingston Heath.

"Ryan has a strong connection with Australia and is always a popular player when he competes here.

"His enthusiasm for the Sandbelt and the Australian Open is terrific, and we're looking forward to welcoming him back in December."

PGA of Australia chief executive Gavin Kirkman said Fox had "built his career from our tour".

"He now returns as a major champion," Kirkman said.

"That's a fantastic story and one that shows what's possible for players coming through our region.

"He's an outstanding player and a terrific ambassador for golf in Australia and New Zealand."

Meanwhile, Fox will bring the Claret Jug to Australia - but regrets that he won't be able to celebrate his Open victory with the late great Shane Warne, who he teamed up with at the iconic Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews.

"I still miss Warnie,'' Fox said of Warne, who died in 2022.

"Warnie was an absolute legend and it was an honour to count him as a friend and play golf with him a bunch. I think he would have been pretty keen to celebrate it, no doubt.

"There has not been any Red Bull and vodka in there but I would say if Warnie was still around it probably would have made its way into the Claret Jug. I know that was his drink of choice.''