7 Oct 2023

Fox in the hunt to defend crown in Scotland

5:15 pm on 7 October 2023
Ryan Fox hits an approach shot during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, Scotland.

Ryan Fox hits an approach shot during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, Scotland. Photo: Photosport

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox remains firmly in contention to defend his title at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the midway stage after a second solid round in Scotland.

Fox sits four shots off the lead heading into the third round at the Kingsbarns course in Carnoustie after carding a three-under 69 on Saturday.

Three birdies on the front nine and another on the 12th hole had Fox on course for an even higher placing before a bogey on the par-four 16th spoiled his day.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick holds a one-shot lead after birdieing four of his last five holes - also at the Kingsbarns course.

Just five days after helping Europe regain the Ryder Cup in Italy, Fitzpatrick was on top again as he followed a 67 on day one with a 64 to get to 13-under.

Spaniard Nacho Elvira and home favourite Grant Forrest were his nearest challengers, two shots clear of English duo Marcus Armitage and Matthew Southgate, with Fox among a group of four golfers a further stroke back.

Fox is hoping to continue a purple patch of form on the DP World Tour, which included victory at last mionth's BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth.

- RNZ