18 Jul 2016

Golf trio named for Rio

10:49 am on 18 July 2016

Golfers Lydia Ko, Danny Lee and Ryan Fox have been confirmed in the New Zealand Olympic Team for Rio.

The announcement brings the team total to 198 athletes with golf returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

There were no selection concerns with world number one Lydia Ko and world number 40 Danny Lee, however there was a nervous wait for Ryan Fox to become the third member of the Fox family to represent New Zealand.

Lydia Ko in Rancho Mirage, 2015.

Lydia Ko Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Fox won a tight battle with Michael Hendry for the second spot after putting together two top-five finishes on the European Challenge Tour at just the right time.

Ko is one of New Zealand's leading medal hopes with the world's top women golfers having made the Olympics a priority, unlike their male counterparts, with the top four ranked men's golfers have all withdrawn citing health concerns.

"I'm super excited to represent New Zealand, to be able to see the village, the food court and just everything it's going to be so cool!" Ko said.

Lee has been climbing the world rankings over the past two years which put him in a great position leading into Olympic qualification.

New Zealand golf number one Danny Lee  at Royal Troon.

Danny Lee Photo: Photosport

Lee is ranked 12th in the Olympic field.

"It's going to be awesome and I'm sure I will make everyone proud and it's going to be a honour to represent my country," he said.

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