Golf: The first group teeing off at the PGA Championship - Kiwi star Ryan Fox, the party animal, and the animal hole

Ryan Fox at the Irish Open, where he got into a playoff for the title. Photo / Photosport

Ryan Fox is delighted to be teeing off in the first group at the PGA Championship in Missouri late on Thursday night.

There are scorching temperatures at the Bellerive Country Club, the greens are soft, and Aucklander Fox likes to play at a quick pace.

"We'll get the best greens which is important this week," said Fox, whose world ranking climbed into the 80s, meaning he easily made the PGA field.

"A lot has been made of the greens but I didn't think they were patchy. They are a bit slower than the guys are used to in majors but they were rolling fantastic yesterday.

"The temperatures here are pretty severe so they had to keep them a bit slower (watered) to protect them. Then we got a lot of rain here today, and they predict a lot more rain overnight. Soft greens always cut up a bit in the afternoon.

"The heat was brutal yesterday, and it is tough to keep the energy levels up towards the end of the round so I certainly don't mind being first up. And I play pretty fast as well, so hopefully we don't have to wait too much."

Fox has some interesting initial playing partners for his latest crack at a major title.
England's Eddie Pepperell, ranked at 57, is renowned for a refreshingly honest blog.

He won attention after declaring he had been under the weather while firing a superb final round 67 to finish sixth in the British Open at Carnoustie. Pepperell has since been at pains to clear his name.

"I would like it to be clear, I am not a party animal," the 27-year-old Pepperell explained to the Telegraph.

"I only had a bottle of wine and was in bed just after 11pm. I couldn't have been that drunk because I can remember brushing my teeth."

American Michael Block, a head club professional in California, was brought up near the Bellerive course. He succeeded at the PGA qualifying event thanks largely to his 13-year-old son Dylan, who was caddying a 72-hole tournament for the first time.

Dylan found a lost ball deep in an animal hole by using his phone light which, vitally, saved his dad a penalty shot. Michael Block also credited his son for keeping his spirits up, when he was struggling.

Speaking to Radio Sport, the 31-year-old Fox sounded relaxed before playing in his sixth major, and he will be boosted by the arrival of coach Marcus Wheelhouse to help tidy up parts of his game. Fox had made adjustments to deal with the wind, hitting the ball lower during his impressive run on links in Ireland and Scotland.

"I'm just getting a bit more comfortable playing in these big events which I think helps my chances," he said.

"It was nice to come off Carnoustie feeling frustrated yet having my best finish in a major (T39th).

"It is going to be a bit different this week on a golf course which is pretty soft, is going to yield quite a few birdies, is pretty wide off the tee ... that does suit my game but I'm not accustomed to it (after Europe).

"I've ticked off a lot of goals already this year, and as much as I'd like to play well it is a bit of a bonus event. I've got nothing to lose, I can just go out and play."