Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox has recorded his fifth top-five finish of the year on the European Tour, with a stunning final round at the Irish Open.
Fox started the day in a tie for 15th, but quickly climbed up the leaderboard, carding seven birdies and an eagle to end the day eight-under par.
The 35-year-old finished three shots behind Poland's Adrian Meronk, who ended the tournament on 20-under to claim his first career title.
Fox had earlier set the clubhouse target with a closing 64, following four birdies on the back nine with an eagle on the 17th to briefly enjoy a two-shot lead, only to bogey the last, after firing his approach over the green.
"The shot on 18 was pretty much the only bad shot I hit today," Fox said. "Happened to be in between clubs, went for a draw and pulled it a little bit.
"It's been a weird week really - shot 64 in the first round, didn't miss a shot, and then the same today, with a little bit of scrappiness in the middle.
"I got off to a little bit of a slow start today, made a couple of nice birdies on four and five, and then got hot with the putter on the back nine."
Meanwhile, Meronk was delighted with his performance, after becoming the first Polish winner in the history of the DP World Tour.
"It's such a relief, to be honest," admitted Meronk, who had recorded three top-three finishes in his last six starts. "I've been coming quite close a couple of times this year and to finally open the door is just a dream come true.
"That's why we practice every day and I'm super happy."
