Fox trots into one-shot lead as Irish Open Day One draws to close
New Zealander impresses bu McIlroy and McDowell not far behind
Last updated 6th Jul 2018
After a day of thrills and spills on a Ballyliffin course that simply takes no prisoners, one man stood above all of the rest.
New Zealander, Ryan Fox – son of All-Black rugby legend, Grant – was one yesterday’s early starters at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by the Rory Foundation.
After 18 holes he entered the clubhouse on a superb – 5, leaving a trail of big names in his wake.
Fox, who was NI Open champion, in 2016 told Downtown & Cool FM that he enjoyed the challenge presented by Balliffin, surely one of the most spectacular links courses in the game with its stunning mountain-framed background and wild coastal hem-line.
“To be honest I just played nice today,” he said “Me and my caddy just decided we were going to take the course on today.
“The roughs in places are not too penal.
“This is one of the best golf courses I have played in.”
There is still a long, long way to go in the race and with a course that is no respecter of repurations, you always have to expect the unexpected.
As for the Northern Ireland contingent, McIlroy finished in front just three shots behind Fox.
But it could have been so much better for him.
He had the chance of at least six birdies and an eagle but spurned them all.
Afterwards, he said: “I have done a lot of work with my coach over the last couple of days.
“I trusted everything out there today and while I had a couple of loose shots, for the most part it was very good.”
Graeme McDowell also gave a good account of himself after a slow start – going into the clubhouse on – 1.
However, it was a difficult day for Darren Clarke who finished + 3.
Meanwhile, Padraig Harrington, is on - 4 after an excellent back nine.