SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Ryan Fox of New Zealand kisses The Claret Jug after his win during the final round of the The 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on July 19, 2026 in Southport, England. (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)Global events specialist Arena is celebrating brand ambassador Ryan Fox’s victory at The Open Championship, where the New Zealander became Champion Golfer of the Year and secured the first Major title of his career.
Already a two-time PGA TOUR winner, Fox’s triumph places him among the select group of golfers to have lifted the Claret Jug. For Arena, a Modon company, the victory also marks a milestone in a partnership that began in 2023.
Paul Berger, Group CEO of Arena, said, “Winning The Open is one of the greatest achievements in sport, and everyone at Arena is immensely proud to see Ryan achieve something so special. We’ve had the privilege of working alongside Ryan long enough to know that this success hasn’t come by chance. It is the product of relentless commitment and an unwavering desire to improve – qualities that resonate deeply with our own business.”
According to the company, the relationship was never intended to capitalise on a single sporting achievement, but to align the brand with an athlete whose values reflected its own.
“Golf has been a cornerstone of the Arena business for many years,” the company said. “Through delivering temporary infrastructure, seating and hospitality environments for some of the world’s leading golf tournaments, we’ve developed a strong connection with the sport and the people within it.”
“The partnership with Ryan was established to build on that connection by working with an athlete who reflected the same values that are important to Arena. His professionalism, resilience and approach to competing at the highest level aligned closely with our own commitment to excellence and delivering under pressure.”
Arena said Fox was selected not just for his performance on the course, but because of the qualities he demonstrated throughout his career.
“Ryan was chosen because of the qualities he demonstrated both as a golfer and as a professional,” the company said. “His resilience, consistency and ability to perform under pressure stood out, alongside his commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards.”
“He has a strong sporting heritage, having played rugby and cricket growing up, with legendary All Black Grant Fox as his father. Ryan took up golf relatively late, yet battled his way to the top, demonstrating the determination and drive to succeed.”
“Those qualities closely reflect the way Arena approaches its own work, where preparation, precision and delivering in demanding environments are critical. Over the course of the partnership, Ryan has also developed a genuine relationship with the Arena team. He’s flexible, responsive and always willing to spend time with our clients, who enjoy meeting him because he’s always happy to have a conversation about the sport.”
Since launching in 2023, the partnership has evolved alongside Fox’s rise on the PGA TOUR, culminating in his Open Championship victory. Arena said the relationship has also extended beyond golf, with Fox supporting the company’s partnership with mental health charity Beder.
“Ryan has been a vocal supporter of our partnership with Beder and has always been happy to amplify this important cause,” the company said.
While Fox’s victory has elevated his global profile, Arena believes the biggest benefit comes from investing in relationships over time rather than around individual achievements.
“Ryan’s win hasn’t changed the foundation of our partnership, it’s reinforced it,” the company said. “We partnered with Ryan because his commitment to excellence has always reflected our values at Arena.”
“Of course, a victory on this scale raises his global profile, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of that journey. But we believe the strongest partnerships are built over time, with shared values at their heart. Backing great people for the long term is always the right approach.”
Reflecting on the partnership, Arena added that sustained relationships create greater value than campaigns built around headline moments.
“The best ambassador relationships are built over years rather than around single moments,” the company said. “We signed Ryan in 2023 because we recognised an approach to his craft that felt familiar to us, and the relationship has grown naturally from there. Everything he has achieved since – the two PGA TOUR wins and now the Claret Jug – is entirely his own. What we’re proud of is simply having been alongside him for the journey.”
