A Triumph on the Fringe: Ryan Fox Books His Ticket to the PGA Championship
Golf can be cruel, chaotic, and occasionally poetic. For Ryan Fox, it was all three—until it wasn’t. The 38-year-old New Zealander, long a mainstay on the DP World Tour, finally broke through on U.S. soil with a win that felt like it came straight from a Hollywood script. Fox’s dramatic victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic, sealed with a 50-foot chip-in during a three-way playoff, didn’t just earn him his first PGA Tour win—it punched his ticket to the year’s second major, the PGA Championship.
And let’s be honest: it couldn’t have come at a better time.
An Electric Finish at Myrtle Beach
Fox entered the final round of the Myrtle Beach Classic trailing but steadily climbed the leaderboard with precision and poise. Finishing at 15-under-par alongside Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes and American Harry Higgs, the playoff seemed destined for a tense back-and-forth.
The Deciding Moment
- Hole: 18th (Par 4)
- Scenario: Three-man playoff
- Location: Fringe of the green
- Shot: 50-foot chip-in
The crowd roared as the ball rolled across the green and dropped into the cup—a moment both unexpected and unforgettable.
“When it left the club, I thought it was good. When it dropped, I couldn’t believe it,” said Fox. “It’s the kind of thing you dream about.”
Fox’s victory wasn’t just a win; it was a redemption arc for a player who had struggled to find his rhythm on the PGA Tour since leaving Europe.
The Long Road to Victory
While some golfers burst onto the PGA Tour scene, others take the scenic route. Ryan Fox belongs to the latter group. Before Myrtle Beach, Fox had played in 68 PGA Tour events without a win. That changed dramatically with a single stroke.
Ryan Fox Career Highlights
| Year | Tournament | Tour | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | BMW PGA Championship | DP World Tour | Winner |
| 2022 | Ras Al Khaimah Classic | DP World Tour | Winner |
| 2019 | ISPS Handa World Super 6 Perth | European Tour | Winner |
| 2024 | Myrtle Beach Classic | PGA Tour | Winner (Playoff) |
His steady play in Europe earned him recognition, but transitioning to the PGA Tour wasn’t smooth. “It was tough last year. I barely kept my card,” he admitted. “This win gives me a chance to breathe.”
Family, Pressure, and a Mother’s Day to Remember
Fox wasn’t alone during his breakthrough. His wife Anneke Ryff and their two daughters were there to celebrate.
“My wife joked, ‘Get me a trophy for Mother’s Day,'” Fox said. “Well, I guess I delivered.”
In a sport often dominated by solitude and stoicism, it was refreshing to see genuine joy and relief wash over a player who had just conquered a major milestone.
PGA Championship Beckons at Quail Hollow
With his Myrtle Beach triumph, Fox now heads to Quail Hollow in North Carolina for the PGA Championship. And while many eyes are on the world’s top three—Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele—it’s Fox who might be riding the biggest wave of momentum.
The Green Mile Nightmare for the Top 3
In a bizarre twist of fate, the trio of Scheffler, McIlroy, and Schauffele—ranked No. 1 through No. 3 in the world—each made a double bogey on the infamous 16th hole, dubbed the “Green Mile.” Slippery conditions, muddy golf balls, and poor lies made for a forgettable stretch.
- Scheffler: Found water from fairway, salvaged a 6
- McIlroy: Slipped while hitting from deep rough
- Schauffele: Approach also landed in water
That trio walked off 16 dejected, while Fox walks into the PGA Championship inspired.
What This Win Means for Ryan Fox
1. Two-Year PGA Tour Exemption
No more stressing about retaining his card. Fox now has two full seasons to compete and plan his schedule.
2. Major Championship Entry
He joins the field at Quail Hollow—his second major of the year.
3. Confidence Boost
“This game doesn’t let you win often,” Fox noted. “You’ve got to make it count.”
4. Inspiration for Others
Fox’s story shows that persistence pays off—even after years without a win on U.S. soil.
A Kiwi with a Rugby Pedigree
Ryan Fox’s sporting lineage is impressive. His father, Grant Fox, was a legendary fly-half for the All Blacks and part of New Zealand’s 1987 World Cup-winning team.
“Dad always said, ‘Preparation beats talent when talent doesn’t prepare.’ I think he’d be proud of this one.”
Fox chose golf over rugby, and now it seems the choice was wise.
Why Golf Fans Should Watch Ryan Fox
Fox is a powerful striker of the ball, known for his accuracy off the tee and fearless play under pressure. Combine that with his grounded personality and underdog charm, and you’ve got a fan favorite in the making.
Key Stats from Myrtle Beach Classic
- Driving Distance Average: 312 yards
- Greens in Regulation: 78%
- Putts per Round: 27.4
- Scrambling Success Rate: 72%
Optimizing for the Future
As Fox prepares for the PGA Championship, his team will likely focus on course strategy, adapting to American greens, and maintaining momentum. Expect him to lean on his European experience where course conditions can be equally tricky.
A Win That Echoes Beyond the Green
Ryan Fox’s victory isn’t just another tournament win. It’s a personal triumph, a career milestone, and a story of resilience that resonates beyond the sport. For fans and fellow golfers alike, it’s a reminder that perseverance, family support, and a bit of flair (a 50-foot chip, no less!) can lead to greatness.
As Fox sets his sights on the PGA Championship, the golfing world will be watching.
Share your thoughts in the comments! Who’s your pick for the PGA Championship?
