Beachlands’ pro golfer Ryan Fox has become the first person in Open history to score a back-nine of 29 after shooting a three-under 68 at Royal Portrush
Fox, 32, bogeyed three of his first nine so lies three-under at the 148th Open Championship in a share of third, two shots off the lead.
Fox made six birdies in his final seven holes at Royal Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on Thursday to earn himself a spot in the record books as the first person ever to break 30 on the back-nine of an Open Championship.
He opened his round with a dropped shot at the first and things looked set to continue in that vein when he added further bogeys at the third and ninth holes to end up with a front nine of 39, www.todaysgolfer.co.uk reported.
But Fox improved that score by 10 shots on the back-nine, making four birdies in a row from the 12th-15th before adding two more on the final two holes to earn himself a new Open record with a 29.
Fox, who has missed his last seven cuts in a row, carded a three-under-par 68 and currently sits two shots behind leader Jon Rahm (USA), todaysgolfer reported.
“That’s pretty cool,” Fox said in response to hearing he set a record. “I did actually ask my caddie, had anyone shot 29 for nine holes in a major, and I’m sure that happened. He said, Shut up, and just hole the putt.
“You certainly don’t expect to do that. But it was nice to just get out of my own way and hit some decent golf shots and be a part of such a great event.”
Fox, son of All Black great Grant Fox, posted on Twitter: “Well…that was fun! First time I’ve been able to say that in a while, and it’s a pretty cool feeling to make history and hold the record for the lowest back 9 (29) in an Open Championship. Looking forward to getting out there again early tomorrow (Friday)!”
