Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox could be in for a rough opening round at the US Open in Los Angeles on Friday (NZ time).
The return of Bermuda grass for this year's third Major at Los Angeles Country Club is causing concern among players, due to the brutal nature of the rough.
While playable, it's tricky to navigate your way out of, setting Fox up for one of his sternest tests this season.
"Bermuda grass is pretty tough," Fox told Newshub. "Everything seems to sink to the bottom and
"It's a little bit of a different test for the US Open but it's going to be a really good one."
Fox hasn't made the cut at the US Open since 2018, but the 36-year-old is confident his experience on some demanding courses on the PGA Tour this season has prepared him for a deep run in his 17th major appearance.
"I had three good weeks the last trip to the States. Three top 30s on really hard golf courses and I haven't quite put four rounds together yet this year.
"Hopefully this is the week to do it."
Now ranked world No. 41, the Aucklander earned special temporary membership to the tour after his impressive outing at last month's PGA Championship, where he finished 23rd - his second top-30 finish at a Major this season.
Fox hopes to ride that wave of momentum into this weekend and contiunue his hot run of form.
"I feel like my game has gone to another level the last year or so, more consistency-wise than anything else," he explained.
"My good stuff was always really good, but my bad stuff was probably a bit worse than what it is at the moment.
"Also the experience of playing on the PGA Tour a lot this year especially. You feel like you're playing a Major every week. You're playing against the top guys on tough golf courses and that's only good for your golf game.
"Coming into this week I feel like my game is in decent shape."
Fox will tee off with Ireland’s Seamus Power and English amateur Matthew McClean at 3:35 am, Friday.
