“To be playing it on the Sandbelt, and I think my favourite Sandbelt course in Kingston Heath, it’s a great way to end the year. I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Adding to the occasion is that a New Zealander has never won the Australian Open.
Fox finished in a tie for 14th place at the 2025 Australian Open at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, while Hillier tied for sixth.
Fox said he was confident in his game to be sitting among the contenders come the final round.
“I know my golf game is good enough to compete with the top guys in the world,” the 39-year-old said.
“It’s going to be go out that week and try to make sure the golf game’s there and give yourself a chance on Sunday. Anything can happen from there, and I’m excited about that opportunity.”
Fox said he was hopeful that some Kiwis would make the trek over to watch the event.
Ryan Fox pictured during the Australian Open in 2025. Photo / Photosport
“No doubt there’ll be plenty over at the Aussie Open and it’ll be great to play in front of a bunch of Kiwis,” he said.
“I know Dan and I and all the other Kiwis in the field will have plenty of support there, so that’ll be great.”
Fox’s victory at Royal Birkdale has also brought a new level of attention, something he has had to learn to manage as his profile has grown.
He said he had become more comfortable playing in front of large crowds and alongside golf’s biggest names, having recently shared the course with McIlroy at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
“I got to play with Rory for three days there … I’ve always enjoyed playing with Rory but … was a little bit intimidated by everything that came with it, whereas I was actually excited about it this year and enjoyed the whole experience with, I guess, the circus that comes with it.”
He missed the cut in his most recent event at the India Championship.
Fox is in South Korea this week for the Genesis Championship, before heading to Dubai and then Melbourne.
After the Australian Open, he will be in Auckland for his Chasing the Fox event.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.