Fox books ticket to British Open

Ryan Fox has booked his place at this month’s British Open, but fellow Kiwi golfer Danny Lee couldn’t do the same.

Fox produced a strong finish to the European Tour’s Irish Open in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, yesterday. He ended tied for fourth, seven shots back from Spanish winner Jon Rahm, who shot a 24-under par total of 264.

The 30-year-old Fox hit five birdies in his final round four-under par 68 to jump up from his overnight spot of sixth at the Portstewart Golf Club.

Fox was able to nab one of three qualifying spots for the third major of the year, the British Open, which will be contested at Royal Birkdale in Southport over July 20-23. He joins Michael Hendry as one of two New Zealanders in the field.

‘‘I’m ecstatic - third time lucky. I just missed out last week in France, and I missed out on world rankings at the Australian Open at the start of The Open qualifying series, so I’m very, very happy to get the job done this week,’’ Fox said.

Lee finished tied for ninth at the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic.

Lee has one final chance to qualify for The Open at this week’s John Deere Classic in Illinois.

After an outstanding six-under par start on Friday, Lee faded with a one-under par final round to finish nine-under for the tournament.