Golf: Ryan Fox four back from lead at Irish Open

Ryan Fox in action at the Irish Open. Photo / AP

Ryan Fox has given up the lead heading into the final round of the Irish Open in Donegal this morning despite after strong round.

Fox shot a two-under 70 to sit at 10-under for the tournament but sits four shots back from South African leader Erik Van Rooyen.

Fox, in a tie for second with Joakim Lagergren, had four birdies and two bogeys in the round, finishing strong with birdies at 16 and 17.

Van Rooyen, who began the day with a share of the lead with Fox, surged clear with a six-under 66 to move to 14-under.

Former Masters champion Danny Willett is a shot back from Fox in fourth, a shot ahead of Scotland's Russell Knox.

Fox began the day well with a birdie on the par five fourth hole before dropping a shot at the sixth hole. He had a second bogey of the day two holes later at the par four fifth to go out in 36.

However he pulled things back on the back nine with three birdies. Fox sunk a 25-footer for birdie at the 16th before missing an eagle at the penultimate hole before picking up another birdie.

Fox remains in contention to qualify for the Open Championship with spots going to the top three players who yet to book a place at Carnoustie later this month. Fox sits three shots clear of missing out going into the final day.