Open champion joins McIlroy in Capital.com Australian Open field

Media Release:

Ryan Fox’s extraordinary year will have another chapter in Australia, with the reigning Open champion confirmed to join two-time Masters winner Rory McIlroy at the Capital.com Australian Open at Kingston Heath Golf Club in December.

The New Zealand No.1 secured the biggest victory of his career at Royal Birkdale in July with a stunning birdie on the final hole sealing a one-shot win and will arrive at the famed Melbourne Sandbelt eager to finish 2026 in style.

Fox will be chasing a rare piece of golfing history, looking to become the first player since American Bill Rogers in 1981 to win The Open and the Australian Open in the same calendar year.

The only other members of that elite club are Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus.

“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.”

Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said Fox’s commitment was another major boost for the tournament which is co-sanctioned by the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and DP World Tour.

“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 CEO Gavin Kirkman said Fox’s presence at the Capital.com Australian Open was a powerful example of the pathways available to players through the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia.

“Ryan has built his career from our Tour where he won three times to the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, and now returns as a major champion. That’s a fantastic story and one that shows what’s possible for players coming through our region,” he said.

“He’s an outstanding player and a terrific ambassador for golf in Australia and New Zealand. Having him back competing here, alongside a field of this calibre, is fantastic for the Capital.com Australian Open and for golf fans across the region.”

Fox joins Joaquin Niemann, Corey Conners, Saheeth Theegala, Daniel Hillier, Carlos Ortiz, Sebastian Munoz and Josele Ballester as major international names in the field for Kingston Heath.

He’s hoping to have plenty of Trans-Tasman support as he tries to become the first New Zealander to win the Stonehaven Cup.

“Hopefully we’ll see plenty of Kiwis out there in the galleries,” he said.

“It’s always great to have that support when you’re playing across the Tasman, and hopefully there’ll be a few New Zealand flags around Kingston Heath cheering for all of the Kiwi boys.”

The 2026 Capital.com Australian Open will be played at Kingston Heath Golf Club from December 4–7.

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