The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club, which began on May 15, 2025, has already delivered drama, and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox is stealing the spotlight. Fresh off his first PGA Tour victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic on May 11, Fox has surged to a share of the early lead at one-under-par through 10 holes in the opening round, alongside Alex Noren and Max McGreevy.
His clutch 50-foot chip-in to win in Myrtle Beach not only secured his spot in this major but also propelled him to 71st in the world rankings. Let’s explore Fox’s remarkable week, his PGA Championship performance, and whether he can sustain this momentum against golf’s elite.
Background Context: Fox’s Breakthrough Journey
Ryan Fox, a 38-year-old Kiwi, has long been a standout on the DP World Tour, with four wins, including the prestigious 2023 BMW PGA Championship. The son of All Blacks rugby legend Grant Fox, who scored a record 126 points in the 1987 Rugby World Cup, Ryan has carved his path in golf.
After struggling to transition to the PGA Tour, finishing 125th in the 2024 FedEx Fall standings, Fox’s 2025 season was off to a “scratchy” start, as he told Sportskeeda. His career-high world ranking of 23rd in 2022 felt distant until last week’s breakthrough at the Myrtle Beach Classic.
The Myrtle Beach win was a game-changer. Facing a three-way playoff against Mackenzie Hughes and Harry Higgs, Fox missed the 18th green but delivered a jaw-dropping chip-in from the fringe for birdie, clinching the $720,000 prize and a two-year PGA Tour exemption.
“When it landed, I thought this had a chance,” Fox told Nine.com.au, describing the shot that also earned him a last-minute spot in the PGA Championship. The victory, celebrated with a frozen pizza and wine, as noted by the NZ Herald, was a Mother’s Day gift for his wife, who had jokingly requested a trophy.
PGA Championship Performance: Early Promise
Fox’s early lead at Quail Hollow, reported by The Athletic, showcases his ability to capitalize on momentum. Starting at 7:05 a.m. with John Parry and Justin Hicks, Fox birdied the 10th hole to reach one-under, a score that held up as the field navigated the course’s long par-4s and firm greens.
Quail Hollow, a regular PGA Tour stop, rewards big hitters, which suits Fox’s game; his driving distance ranks in the top 50 on Tour. However, his accuracy (outside the top 100) will be tested on a layout where the 2017 PGA Championship’s top finishers averaged better driving accuracy than distance.
After practice was postponed due to heavy rain, Fox traveled three and a half hours from Myrtle Beach to Charlotte in an unusual way to prepare for the PGA Championship. He acknowledged the psychological and physical toll of his success when he told the NZ Herald, “There’s a reason it’s hard to back up after a win.”
However, his early confidence is highlighted in posts on X from @DPWorldTour and @PGABirdies, with admirers such as @SpencerSharpe20 describing his victory at Myrtle Beach as “pure guts and determination.” According to Golf.com’s study of Quail Hollow’s difficulties, Fox’s scrambling skills, which were refined on the DP World Tour, may be crucial on a course where birdies are hard to come by.
Analysis: Can Fox Contend?
Fox’s Myrtle Beach heroics and early PGA Championship form make him a dark horse, but sustaining this pace against Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Bryson DeChambeau, fresh off a LIV Golf Korea win, will be tough. His 40-1 odds, per CBS Sports, reflect his longshot status, but his recent leap from 119th to 71st in the world rankings signals potential.
Fox’s strengths—power off the tee and inventiveness in the short game—align with Quail Hollow’s requirements, but given his lack of major experience (highest finish: T-12 at the 2023 PGA Championship), consistency over 72 holes is still in doubt.
Fans can find inspiration in Fox’s story. His family’s support, his transitional challenges, and his decisive playoff victory all speak to underdog narratives. According to Reuters, his two-year Tour exemption and 2026 entry into The Memorial and The Players safeguard his future and allow him to pursue majors without any pressure.
Looking Ahead
Fox’s early PGA Championship lead sets the stage for a defining week. A strong finish could vault him into the U.S. Open and solidify his PGA Tour status. As he navigates Quail Hollow, his resilience and flair, celebrated by fans on X, make him a player to watch. Read more Sports News.
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