Golf: Nerves in Fox family before Open

Ryan Fox of New Zealand (L) with his father Grant Fox. Photo / Getty

Grant Fox has no doubts as he prepares to watch son Ryan in his second British Open, starting late tonight at Royal Birkdale: when it comes to nerves his will be jangling far more than those of his wife Adele.

The pair flew out to Britain at the start of the week, once Ryan had secured his spot in the field with a series of strong performances which not only ensured his playing position for next year on the European Tour but got him a spot on the season-ending Race to Dubai.

"These are big golf events, the majors and this is now his second Open in three years," All Black selector Fox told Radio Sport.

"A few weeks ago when he was struggling it didn't look like it was going to happen but he's had a pretty good run of form. We had a week to get organised and get on a plane."

Fox has come into the Open on a wet sail, after successive finishes of sixth, fourth and fourth at the French, Irish and Scottish Opens.

Asked if he, or his wife would be more nervous during the Open, Fox laughed: "Probably me".

"It's nothing to do with us but you desperately want them to do well. You walk it with them.

"Last time he didn't know what to expect. He was terribly nervous. This time means just as much to him but he's more relaxed and part of that is security in his job, because of what's happened in the last three weeks," he added.

Fox said his son had a good team around him, which was important even though "he's the guy on the tools". He suspects his son has got a little bit of peace in his mind when you can relax and play as if with your mates.

"You've got to remember why you're playing the game. Because you love it.

"If you can find a little peace of mind that 'I'm going out and having some fun' that's gold."

Fox had found a house 10 minutes drive from Birkdale.

"Last time (at St Andrew's two years ago) there were 11 in the house. There's not as many this time," he added.

Fox is playing with prominent American Matt Kuchar and Scotsman Richie Ramsay in the opening round.