Tiger Woods’ legendary caddie, Steve Williams, was never really fond of watching golf. However, on Sunday, Williams switched on his TV to watch his countryman lift the Claret Jug.

Williams has been on the bag for Ryan Fox several times, and due to the personal connection, he enjoyed Fox’s milestone win.

“I’ve had a little bit to do with Ryan, right from his amateur days through to turning professional, and I’ve caddied for him several times at the New Zealand Open,” Williams told Golf Digest via phone from New Zealand. “When you know somebody personally, it’s emotional, for sure.” 

Fox started slowly with a 72 in the opening round. With a record 62-round on Moving Day, the 39-year-old put himself right into contention.

Williams knew Fox had what it takes to win a major. Ahead of the 154th Open, the veteran caddie made sure to encourage him.

“I just love encouraging the guy. I’ve told him many times, ‘You’ve got the game [to win a major], you’ve got all it takes.’ You just fill the guy with belief and eventually [he’ll win]," Williams said, as reported by Golf Digest. "I just think he’s an absolutely fantastic person, and he’s an unbelievable player, and it’s just fitting that he’s won the Open Championship.”

Williams watched Fox perform brilliantly on the closing stretch on Sunday. Finishing a stroke ahead of Cameron Young, the New Zealander secured his maiden major title.

Fox knew how big the victory was for his nation.

Ryan Fox comments on the milestone win for his nation

Ryan Fox became just the second New Zealander to secure the Open Championship after Sir Bob Charles in 1963. He knew his country would celebrate the victory to the fullest.

“I don't know whether I ever thought it was going to become a reality. Now it is, and to have my name etched in the history of the game is pretty awesome. I think it's pretty awesome for New Zealand as well. It's going to be big down there,” Fox said in an interview, accessed by ASAP Sports.

In recent years, Fox has started racking up wins on the PGA Tour. After two wins last year, the New Zealander lifted his first major title on Sunday.

“I appreciate all the support from down there at home. It's going to be a lot of people pretty sad Monday morning at work after staying up all night to watch. I'm glad it was worthwhile for them,” he added.

On top of that, Fox became his nation’s first winner of a men’s major since Michael Campbell defeated Woods by two shots at the 2005 U.S. Open at Pinehurst. Williams was there to congratulate him as well.

What are your thoughts on Ryan Fox’s victory? Share them in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Kalp Thaker