Golf: Ryan Fox claims Fiji Open

Ryan Fox. File photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland professional Ryan Fox enjoyed the biggest win of his career when he claimed the 2012 Digicel Fiji Golf Club Open Championship.

The rookie pro has enjoyed a dream debut season in the pay-for-play ranks and that continued yesterday at the Fiji Golf Club in Vatuwaqa. The 25-year-old carded a 15-under par total for the 54 hole event to win the prestigious title by six shots from defending champion Nick Gillespie and Fijian pro Tomasi Tuivuna who tied for second place on nine under par.

Fox finished runner-up at the Air New Zealand Koru-Club Pro-Am last week to Michael Hendry, who shot a 61 at Denarau in the final round.

He was thrilled to finally secure a win after a stretch of four runner-up finishes in six events.

Fox, who claimed NZ$21,000 for his breakthrough international win, said competing in Fiji was fun and he loved the golf course at Vatuwaqa.

"It's a fun place to play and except for the rain overnight, it was all fantastic," said the former New Zealand Eisenhower rep.

"I was surprised at how the course handled the rain, we were able to play the full three rounds. Not many courses can handle that much water but this course is just great but then again the wet surface made play a bit tougher.

"I am glad I won and I would love to be back next year to defend this title if my schedule permits me."

The son of All Black great, and current national selector, Grant Fox, said had he not been at the top of his game, he would have lost to one of the top locals.

By winning the Fiji Open, Fox qualifies to play in the $2.2 million Asia Pacific Open Golf Championship Panasonic Open at Higashi Hirono Golf Club, Miki City, Japan from September 20-23.

Fox has made a great start to his professional career to comfortably lead the NZ PGA Order of Merit. He finished in fourth place at the NZ PGA Championship at The Hills, won his first Pro-Am title at Martinborough and finished runner-up at the Taranaki Energy Open and Muriwai Open on the Charles Tour.