Kiwi Ryan Fox has had a solid start to the BMW PGA Championships in Surry England with a 4-under 68 on the first day of the tournament.
Fox is only two shots from the lead, tied for 8th spot in an event featuring the likes of Justin Rose and Patrick Reed at the Wentworth Golf Club. Fox had five birdies and only one bogey in his round of 68.
Tyrrell Hatton, who recalled watching the tournament as an awestruck nine-year-old, is in a three-way tie for the lead.
Now he is on the other side of the ropes as the world number 15 and in prime position to challenge for victory in the event which inspired him to become a professional following an opening 66 at Wentworth.
Hatton carded an eagle, five birdies and a solitary bogey to finish six under par, a total matched late in the day by South Africa’s Justin Harding and Spain’s Adri Arnaus.
Lowry, Eddie Pepperell, Matt Fitzpatrick and Gavin Green were a shot off the lead on five under, with Scottish Open winner Aaron Rai and former world number one Justin Rose part of the group on four under.
Despite needing on-course treatment for back spasms, Ian Poulter finished birdie, birdie, eagle to return a 69, with former Masters champion Patrick Reed having to settle for an opening 70 after a double bogey on his final hole.
Ryan Fox tees off at 8.15pm on Friday night NZT.
