Fox claims second Challenge Tour title

Aucklands Ryan Fox has carded an incredible nine-under 62 to surge to victory in the European Challenge Tour's Northern Ireland Open.

Starting the day three shots off the lead, the 29 year old quickly changed that with a birdie and an eagle in his opening two holes to wipe the deficit. Fox went on to complete a four shot victory and claim his second European Challenge Tour title.

Taking home $50,000 for his efforts, Fox was threatening the magic number of 59, yet two bogeys sadly buried that chance. It was still an amazing round of golf in the final round that included an eagle and nine birdies.

"It got hot and it was nice to keep seeing the ball go in. I thought I was flirting with the magical number for a while, but a three-putt on 16 didn't help that," said Fox.

"To be honest, I played exactly how I played all week, but I got really hot with the putter. I played solid from tee to green the whole week, and today I left myself a lot of makeable putts."

This victory comes as perfect timing in the build up to golfs return to the Olympics. Just ten days out from the mens golf kicking off, this will give Fox the utmost confidence leading into the historical occasion.

"I couldn't have played any better and it's nice to go into the Olympics with some form," he said. "It's always a good feeling to win."

"It's hard to get your first win and sometimes it seems harder to keep doing it. It's great to be a two-time winner on the Challenge Tour and build on the experience I had last year.

"It'll be great in Rio, I'm looking forward to being part of the New Zealand team; we don't get the opportunity very often in golf."

With all the excitement around Rio, we must not forget the backbone of his career which is aiming to get his European Tour card. This big win boosts him right up the Challenge Tour order of merit rankings and he now sits in a comfortable second place as he gets ever so close to securing his full status on the European Tour.

Fox will now be in full Olympic mode as he packs his bags to leave for Rio at the end of the week and will become the third member of the Fox family to represent New Zealand.



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