Fox and Hendry tell all ahead of 146th Open Championship

We spoke to New Zealands two best hopes for the 146th Open at Royal Birkdale as they prepare one of the biggest weeks in their careers.

Earning his position via a tied fourth finish at the DDF Irish Open, this will be the second time Ryan Fox has played in The Open and also makes him the second New Zealander in the field after Michael Hendry qualified earlier in the year via the Japan Golf Tour.

Fox made his debut in 2015 at St Andrews but returns for his second time a more experienced player.

"Im very excited. I had an amazing time at St Andrews a couple of years ago and Im really looking forward to heading to Birkdale," said Fox, who has recorded three top-10 finishes in as many weeks.

"I had been close a couple of times in The Open Qualifying Series this season and it was a nice bonus to qualify last week."

"I feel a lot more experienced this time. I have played in a lot more big events with the top players than two years ago so Im less overawed and intimidated now."

"Its also nice to understand how the whole process works this time, hopefully Ill have a few less nerves and a more stress free experience this time."

This is the first time Fox has seen the Royal Birkdale layout, but he is happy with his links form heading into the tournament.

"I havent seen Royal Birkdale before, but Ive had great few weeks so I am taking some confidence from that."

"It will be my fifth week in a row and ninth out of 11. So I will have to manage the practice rounds a little bit to still be fresh on Thursday."

As the lone New Zealander competing on the European Tour, Fox also enjoyed catching up with Michael Hendry.

"It was great to see Mike qualify in Japan a couple of months ago and Im sure hes excited to play in his first Major," added Fox.

"Im sure we will play a little bit of golf together in practice. Theres only a couple of Kiwis out on tour (two caddies, my girlfriend and I) so it will be nice to have another Kiwi and friend around for the week."

As mentioned, New Zealand Open champion Michael Hendry qualified via the Japan Golf Tour and comes into The Open in good form having finished tied 6th at the Sega Sammy Cup.

Hendry has had time to adjust to the conditions after arriving to the UK nice and early.

"We headed straight over from Japan, arriving on the Monday so weve had seven days before the tournament," said Hendry.

"My caddy Jordan has never been to the UK before so he was pretty keen to spend a day in London doing some tourist things. So the first few days in the UK were just adjusting and relaxing."

"From Thursday, its been head down bum up, working really hard."

In his preparations, Hendry also plans on seeking out fellow Kiwi and caddy for Adam Scott; Steve Williams.

"You obviously want to put your best foot forward. I will be having a word with Steve Williams about how he feels the best way to play the course is," added Hendry, who prior to this week had also never seen Royal Birkdale before.

"Whether that is having a round with Adam or if thats just me finding the time to sit down with Steve and going through hole by hole in the locker room, I will definitely be doing that.

The Open Championship starts now, so enjoy the 146th edition of the worlds most historic major championship.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ