Ryan Fox’s Journey with the Claret Jug

Traveling with an iconic sports trophy has its challenges. Ryan Fox, the Champion Golfer of the Year, experienced this firsthand when he tried to fly with the Claret Jug after winning The Open at Royal Birkdale.

Days after his victory, the process of becoming a major champion remained stressful, with airport troubles adding to the pressure. Fox boarded a plane in Manchester heading to London, then planned to return home from Heathrow Airport.

At the gate, Fox had to negotiate to bring the Claret Jug as a carry-on, rather than checking it. It wasn’t ideal to hand over such an esteemed trophy to the baggage handlers.

“I meekly got up to the check-in agent with these two boxes and go, ‘So, yeah, I’ve got some special cargo here, is there any chance I can just take these on the plane?'” Fox recounted. “She goes, ‘What’s in it?’ You know, I’m like, ‘The Claret Jug, it’s the oldest trophy in golf.’ And she asks, ‘Did you win it?’ I said, ‘Uh, yeah. Can I just take it through?’ She’s like, ‘Yep, no problem.'”

As Fox moved through security, several travelers recognized him, which may have eased the process. To add to the uniqueness of the situation, Fox found himself seated directly behind Cameron Young, the runner-up at Birkdale after Fox’s last-hole birdie secured his win.

This memorable journey with the Claret Jug highlights the unexpected challenges and stories that come with victory.