19 Jul 2018

Ryan Fox admits it's time to step up in the golf majors

12:04 pm on 19 July 2018

New Zealand golfer, Ryan Fox, says it's time he becomes a genuine threat at a major ahead of this week's British Open at Carnoustie.

Ryan Fox.

Ryan Fox. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

This will be Fox's fifth major appearance, his best finish at one came at this year's US Open where he finished in a tie for 41st.

In his last two starts on links courses, Fox has finished second at the Irish Open and tied for sixth at the Scottish Open.

The 31-year-old says his game is in a good place at the moment.

"I've been lucky enough to have a couple of afternoon tee times on a Sunday in a major in the last I've played, haven't played that well so hopefully if I give myself another chance I can figure it out a bit better, but I'll just go and enjoy the experience and see what happens."

Playing in his fifth major (PGA Championship, US Open and third Open Championship), the 87th ranked Fox is excited about another opportunity on the biggest stage in golf.

"This is one of the best golf courses in the world and one of best, if not the best golf tournament in the world, so I can't complain," Fox said.

The Aucklander eyes started glowing once asked what it would mean to win the Claret Jug.

"I can think of a few things I would put in the Claret Jug, but it would be amazing. I wouldn't even call it a goal, it would be more of a dream, but it's a long way away and after a couple of late tee times on a Sunday in two previous majors, hopefully I can finish it off this time."

The other New Zealander in the field is Michael Hendry, who will also feel more at home this year as he plays in his second consecutive Open Championship after he qualified via the same event as last year (just like Fox at the Irish Open), The Gateway to The Open, Mizuno Open.

Michael Hendry celebrates.

Michael Hendry celebrates. Photo: Photosport

Although the 2017 New Zealand Open Champion hasn't played much golf, he is ready to push hard and play the weekend this year after missing the cut in 2017.

"I've only played one event in the last six weeks, my wife and I had a baby girl not long ago, so my life has been changing nappies in rainy old Auckland, so I haven't had the opportunity to play in conditions like it," said Hendry.

"The atmosphere is just so different here, it's great fun being around these great players and it's a great opportunity to play in an amazing event and a chance to learn."