Kiwi stalwart Ryan Fox secured his place in this weekend’s PGA Championship by chipping in for a memorable first PGA Tour victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic held in South Carolina.
Fox faced off against Canadian Mackenzie Hughes and American Harry Higgs in a tense three-way playoff. As they replayed the par-4 18th hole, Fox narrowly missed the green, while both Hughes and Higgs had solid birdie opportunities ahead of him.
However, Fox showcased his skill by chipping in from the fringe, celebrating as he observed both competitors miss their subsequent putts.
Elated by his triumph, Fox remarked that he felt compelled to take a shot at the chip upon seeing his opponents’ positions on the green.
“Both of those guys had makeable chances. I thought I had to give it a go,” he stated.
Ryan Fox celebrating after sinking his chip for birdie on the first playoff hole of the Myrtle Beach Classic. Getty
“When it landed I thought it might just have a chance, and honestly, when it was six to eight feet out, I was convinced it was in. I’m not really sure how to process all of this right now.”
Fox, the son of All Blacks legend Grant Fox, who has the record for the most points scored in a Rugby World Cup—126 during the 1987 tournament—now looks forward to the PGA Championship. The winner of the Myrtle Beach Classic was given an entry into the prestigious event at Quail Hollow. This marks Fox’s fourth consecutive appearance in the major, with his best finish being a T16 at the 2019 British Open.
Additionally, this victory secures Fox a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a place in The Sentry at Kapalua for the start of the following year.
“It means a great deal to me. It’s been a challenging couple of seasons out here. Last year was tough just to get my card, and this year hasn’t started well for me,” he commented.
“I always believed my game was strong enough to compete with the best in the world, and I got to showcase that today.
“I’d like to think this will be the catalyst for the rest of my year.”
Fox joked that he might head to Quail Hollow for this year’s second major “with a bit of a hangover”.
“I’ve played in all the majors for the last two years and was pretty disappointed to miss the Masters this year,” he explained.
“There was only one spot on offer this week, and the only way to secure it was to win. I really like Quail Hollow as a golf course.
“This tweaks my plans a little. I might just have a bit of a hangover tomorrow.”
At 38 years old, Fox becomes the oldest first-time winner on the PGA Tour since 2017.
Ryan Fox celebrating with his trophy after clinching victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic. Getty
Fox wrapped up regular play with a commendable 5-under 66, but it seemed it might not suffice when Hughes approached the 18th hole with a one-shot advantage.
Hughes found himself in trouble after pulling his drive into the trees, subsequently pitching out and then missing a 3m par putt. He finished with a 67, landing him in the playoff at 15-under alongside Fox and Higgs, who also faltered with an 8m birdie putt that could have sealed the win.
Returning to the 18th for the playoff, Hughes and Higgs found the fairway and had strong birdie attempts, while Fox chipped from the rough to the collar on the right side of the green, celebrating as he raised both arms upon sinking the chip for birdie.
Having previously secured three victories on the European Tour—including the prestigious BMW PGA Championship in 2023—Fox has reached as high as No. 23 in the world rankings, albeit without a top 10 finish on the PGA Tour this year until now.
– with AP
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