Ryan Fox looks to build on major experience

Ryan Fox. Photo / AP

Onwards and definitely upwards. That's the message out of Team Fox, after the sterling debut by Ryan Fox in the British Open golf championship.

The Auckland golfer's father Grant was not only a great All Black, but renowned as one of the most driven, competitive and detail-orientated footballers of his age, as rugby prepared itself for full professionalism.

Ryan Fox may appear a little more laid back, but he certainly isn't resting on the laurels after finishing in a nine-way tie for 49th at St Andrews. His final round 67 left him alongside the notable names of David Duval, Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan, Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood, and snared $44,500 in prizemoney.

"I'm ecstatic - it was a great last day," said the 28-year-old, who made the field via the qualifying tournament.

"But it was great to shoot a score like that in a major. I had a bit of luck with a bunker shot and played in the easiest conditions of the day.

"It's an awesome experience in front of a massive crowd, to see all the guys I've grown up idolising. I'm hungry to get a lot more.

"After playing one I'd like to play a few more. I feel I can compete with these guys. It was an awesome experience."

Fox snr - Next time he'll have the mental strength

Grant Fox said following his son in the legendary tournament at one of the game's most famous courses had been "strangely" easier than in Ryan's amateur days.

"I was a lot less nervous...(because) he hits the ball good and holes the putts now," he said.

Fox snr believed the performance at St Andrews would lay an important platform for the next stage of his son's career.

"It's not only the tips about golf. A couple of players have said 'you can play on this stage' and that's gold as well," said Grant Fox.

"Just to have those sort of experience, even the practice rounds. Hopefully there will be another time (when) just making the cut is not going to be enough.

"He was a bit flat on day three. Next time he'll have the mental strength to go again and that's what the top players do. They think about winning the damn thing.

"Even though he is 28, he's still a very young pro. He's going okay. We are very proud of him. He played incredibly well."

Ryan Fox returns to St Andrews for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships in early October. That coincides with New Zealand's rugby World Cup pool game against Georgia in Cardiff and his father - an All Black selector - has been given the week off so he can follow his son again.