In a ‘dangerous place’
previously being eliminated in the playoff and then missing out by a shot last year. After not making a bogey in regulation and not losing a hole in the knockout rounds his confidence was high heading into the final.
‘‘I enjoyed getting to sit down after the semifinal [a 1-up victory over Ireland’s Paul Dunne] and kind of take stock and relax. Between the quarters and semi and the first round, I literally walked from the 18th green to the tee and it was a bit manic.
‘‘When I got to the 10th tee [the first Super 6 hole], I felt a lot calmer than the earlier matches and I played my best golf in the matchplay comfortably in that final.’’
Fox said he had driven well all week in Perth which was always a key for him and shrugged off any pressure of playing for the victory.
‘‘It’s almost easier trying to win a golf tournament than trying to make a cut. If you’re up near the top, you’re generally in pretty decent control of your game, and I felt it was pretty close all week.’’
He also dismissed any shaky feelings from his close call at the Irish Open seven months ago after losing to Scotland’s Russell Knox in a playoff.
‘‘I did everything right [in Ireland]. I just had someone do something incredible on me. I knew if I was in that situation again, I would feel comfortable.
‘‘The format’s nice, especially when conditions got tough. You’re only trying to beat one guy, not a bunch of guys who have been out early and shot low scores, not trying to beat a tough golf course . . . you’re just trying to beat your opponent.’’