One of the big local hopes at this week's New Zealand Open has arrived just in the nick of time.
Kiwi number Ryan Fox has travelled from Auckland to Mexico to Queenstown in the last seven days.
But Fox is hoping his unique situation produces a unique result.
"The motivation this week is very high," said Fox.
"To win an NZ Open is something I want on my resume at the end of my career."
On Wednesday, he opted out of playing the new par three competition that precedes the start of the open.
Instead he was practising at The Hills, only hours after arriving back in the country.
The last 10 days has seen a breakthrough European tour win in Perth followed by a mad dash to Mexico where he finished 67th.
And the 32-year-old doesn't have to look too far in terms of precedent.
"I remember when Mike Hendry won it," said tournament director Michael Hendry. "He flew in from Mexico and arrived in on the Wednesday. That could be an omen.
Around 30 Kiwis will tee off tomorrow, including the father -son combo of David and Charlie Small, and 2005 US Open winner Michael Campbell
"I'm going to be pretty nervous," Campbell admitted. "I haven't had a scoreboard in my back pocket for six years."
In contrast, Fox is battle hardened, hoping his hectic schedule doesn't ultimately catch up with him.
"I still believe if I play the golf I can play, I've got a pretty good chance of winning this tournament on Sunday.
Newshub.
