Golf: Ryan Fox, Danny Lee, Lydia Ko named in Olympic team

New Zealand will send a three strong golf team to the Olympics.

The team is headlined by women's world number one Lydia Ko, while men's world number 40 Danny Lee is joined by Ryan Fox.

Fox has convinced the New Zealand Olympic Committee he has the potential to make the 16 in the 60-strong field, with a world ranking of 184. He had talked about appealing had he missed out.

Women's number two Cathryn Bristow will not be sent, after sneaking in to the top-60 adjusting rankings cutoff in the last position with her ranking of 446.

Fox won a tight battle with Michael Hendry for the second spot after putting together two top five finishes on the European Challenge Tour at just the right time.

"Obviously it's a pinnacle sporting event and I can say I'm the third generation of my family to represent New Zealand in three different sports, so it's a pretty cool thing to be able to do," said Fox.

For the 1st time in Olympic history we welcome golfers to the NZ Olympic Team! @LydiaKo @ryanfoxgolfer @dannygolf72 pic.twitter.com/CLYwv59D6j

— The New Zealand Team (@TheNZTeam) July 17, 2016

Ko has made it very clear that the Olympics is her pinnacle event of 2016. To medal at Rio would mean so much to her as she compares this achievement to a Major Championship. With her consistency this dream is very much a possibility.

"I'm super excited to represent New Zealand, to be able to see the village, the food court and just everything it's going to be so cool!" said Ko.

The trio are expected to be the last to be added to the New Zealand team, although the Sports Tribunal is considering an appeal from marathon runner Paul Martelletti.

Extremely proud and excited to named in the @nzolympics team this morning alongside @dannygolf72… https://t.co/WHdm9ZjqBf

— Ryan Fox (@ryanfoxgolfer) July 17, 2016