Ryan Fox begins US campaign at WM Phoenix Open
Ryan Fox – file photo courtesy of The Masters
New Zealand’s Ryan Fox gets his second PGA Tour season underway when he plays this week’s WM Phoenix Open, his second appearance at the most attended event in the game after finishing 41st on debut last year.
Fox gained access to the PGA Tour last year courtesy of his great season on the DP World Tour in 2023 and finished 118th in the FedEx Cup standings which in some respects was mission accomplished in terms of retaining status but perhaps short of where he anticipated.
A disappointing third round of 75 in Phoenix last year cost him a significantly higher finish but three other rounds in the 60’s suggested this is a layout he has a liking for.
After two encouraging weeks in the desert in DP World Tour events, Fox arrives in Scottsdale with some of the holiday rust knocked off his game and ready to get his season underway as he chases a higher standing on the PGA Tour and the chance to play Signature events.
When Fox arrived at this event last year he was ranked 32nd in the world ranking but he has now slipped to 93rd.
Fox enjoys full status on the PGA Tour but in order to access Signature events and some of the major championships he needs to capitalise on the experience he gained in his first season and appears likely to do so.
Without a start at the Masters at this stage, Fox will need to win an event between now and early April or be inside the top 50 in the world ranking in the week prior to this year’s event.
Fox’s best finishes on the PGA Tour in 2024 were when he finished 4th at the Myrtle Beach event and 7th at the Canadian Open.
