“It was fantastic,” Charles told The R&A in a video call from his Christchurch home. “I’m proud of him.
“I take my hat off to him. I think it’s wonderful for New Zealand. I think this is going to be a great shot in the arm for New Zealand golf.
“I think young people will be looking at it [Fox’s win] and thinking, ‘if I work hard and persevere, maybe I can do that too’.
“It’s put New Zealand golf on the map. Ryan has been flying the flag for some time and he’ll continue to do that. We have a lot of young talent down here and I’m sure that this will inspire them to step up a peg or two.”