Golf: Fox looks to finish year strong at Australian Open

Ryan Fox is looking to put a strong finish to a successful year. Photo / Getty

Ryan Fox takes good memories into today's opening round of the Australian Open as a strong field takes to the course in Sydney.

He's first out with Richard Green and Andrew Dodt after a year when he won in France, had a successful first foray in the British Open and just missed his fulltime card on the EuropeanTour.

However he will get about 20 starts next year in Europe and after experiencing that workload and travel is considering whether to base himself in Europe for some months rather than travelling backwards and forwards from New Zealand.

Fox's focus now is finishing his season well in Australia where a year ago he held his form and nerve to finish tied for seventh at the Australian Open and finished ahead of such illustrious names as the world No 1 Rory McIlroy.

"This place has got good memories for me, it suits my eye," he said.

"Length is an asset on a few holes where there are a couple of pots you can carry and even if you end up in the rough it is not too penal. The odd little spray might not hurt too much.

"It was one of my better results last year getting inside the top 10.

"But if it's windy this course can be a real brute and there is a very good field for this. I think the only big Aussie name missing is Jason Day."

Fox will spend time at home over Christmas before playing in South Africa and working out the best way to tackle his European schedule. He found the travel draining this year but likes the balance of life in NZ and Europe.

"Some events you get into the field at late notice and travel becomes more difficult from home. I would not like to live fulltime in Europe but my girlfriend is keen to travel so maybe we can combine that round mid-year and stay for a few months."