Golf: So far so good for Ryan Fox at the Open

Ryan Fox of New Zealand. Photo / Jason Oxenham.

So far so good for Ryan Fox-weather-wise anyway-- as he prepares for his first competitive foray around St Andrews at the Open.

The Kiwi golfer has played a number of practice rounds around the famous links course in illustrious company with Adam Scott and Lee Westwood.

The winds have not been too damaging, dead calm for his first look then picking up to about 20-25 knots out of the west before turning to the same velocity from the opposite direction.

"These links here are very exposed , there is nothing to stop the wind which can belt in off the sea," Fox said.

It's been a week to douse himself in the history and layout of the course while inhaling as much practical knowledge as he can get about the layout and how to deal with it in all conditions.

Those are predicted to turn a bit sour in the afternoon of the second round when some of the significant tournament names-Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Tiger Woods and Louis Oosthuizen-are set to tee off.

"It's going to be a tough challenge this week, especially if we get the weather that may come in," another tournament pick Rickie Fowler said.

"A lot of times in the States when wind is blowing that hard we're seeking shelter and it's a storm blowing in. Over here, it's just hard wind and sideways rain sometimes."

Five years ago when they last played the Open at St Andrews, play was suspended in the second round because conditions became unplayable with balls moving at address for players on the greens. Two years ago the women's Open was also suspended because of high winds at St Andrews.

Earlier this month, Fox secured his first place in a major after tying for second at the final qualifying event at the Gailes Links course in Ayrshire, Scotland, a result which meant he could bump a tournament in Slovakia off his schedule.

"The course suits my eye," he said after several practice rounds," It's generous off the tee for the most part as long as you pick the right lines. My form has been a bit scratchy, my good shots are good and the bad shots have been quite bad but my coach is here and we need to spend a bit of time to tweak that."