Fox’s Glowing Tribute To ‘Warnie’ Ahead Of Kiwi’s Dunhill Links Defence

2 years ago by Comments Off on Fox’s Glowing Tribute To ‘Warnie’ Ahead Of Kiwi’s Dunhill Links Defence

There’s no missing the sight of Alfred Dunhill Links Championship banners about the Old Course here in St. Andrews lowered at half-mast.

It is a moving tribute to Sir Michael Bonallack, the former long-time Secretary of the R & A who passed away late last month.

However, the sight of the flags fluttering at half-mast brought back immediate memories of cricketing legend Shane Warne.

‘Warnie’, as he affectionately known worldwide, passed away in March 2022 aged just 52, and it was his good friend and 2022 Alfred Dunhill Links champ Ryan Fox, who had ‘Warnie’ as a championship playing partner for many years, who dedicated last year’s victory to the Aussie-born spin-king.

Fox, and brilliant winner also of last months BMW PGA Championship, again spoke of his fondness for ‘Warnie’ in visiting the media centre ahead of this week’s Alfred Dunhill-backed championship defence.

“Seeing so many flags at half-mast immediately reminded me of Warnie”, said Fox.

“If you read his book, you see how much he loved this event. He absolutely loved it. I was very honoured to be his partner for five or six Dunhills.

“One of the years I wasn’t his partner, I got — he was still in a little grouping we had and I played one of the days with him. You know to, have an idol of mine growing up that became my friend through this tournament; I played a lot of golf with him outside of this event, as well, and we had a whole lot of fun together.

“It was certainly sad to not have him. It almost still doesn’t feel real that he’s not here. He left such an impact on people’s lives. It was definitely sad to not have him here last year, and I know how much he would have loved that, if we were coming down the stretch and I had a chance to win the golf tournament, I know how much he would have loved being a part of that.

“We were lucky, we had a run at the team event the year before, and we lost. I know he was fairly hung over Sunday morning but that’s the most fun I’ve ever seen anyone potentially have on the golf course.

“He’s certainly missed by many here, and not just here but across the world. I know how much he loved this tournament. He absolutely loved it which is very cool”

Well said, Ryan!  My sentiments exaclty.



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