Fox posts best finish at a major

Ryan Fox secured his best major finish at the British Open, finishing in a tie for 39th at Carnoustie.

The 31-year-old New Zealand No 1 improved with each round to end at two-over par.

Yesterday, Fox shot a oneunder-par 70 on the Scottish links course to improve by 22 places.

He was 10 shots behind the winner, Italy’s Francesco Molinari.

‘‘I’m happy, but a little frustrated as well, the last two days could have been significantly better,’’ Fox said.

‘‘I made my fair share of par putts, but left a few birdies out there on the greens, but that’s golf and Carnoustie has always had my number.’’

After a runner-up finish in the Irish Open and a top-10 in the Scottish Open amid an intense three weeks, Fox said he needed a break.

‘‘My emotions are all over the show, I have just been taking it week to week after great results in Ireland and Scotland. The support has been fantastic, there have been so many Kiwis here and I appreciate all the support.’’

He will have some time off before his next major, the US PGA Championship in St Louis on August 9-12.

Fox’s final round at Carnoustie had only one blemish, a bogey at 12, but he finally equalled his true bogey hole, the par-four 17th, by claiming a par. Birdies on five and 14 meant he finished under par.

His previous best major finish was his tie for 41st at the US Open this year, while his best PGA Championship finish is a tie for 54th.

In his first Open Championship outing in 2015, Fox finished in a tie for 49th, before missing the cut at the tournament last year.

Fox arrived at the Open ranked 84th in the world, but could be set for a minor bump following a strong showing.