New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox will make a rare appearance on the local tour over the next fortnight for what he hopes will get him back in form for his return to the European PGA Tour.
Fox will play the Gulf Harbour Open starting today and next week's Muriwai Open.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The last time he played on the Charles Tour was when he won the Muriwai Open in 2014.
"At the moment I'm just trying to keep the rust off basically, it has been a while (since playing on the Charles Tour) and I don't get the opportunity to play at home very often but being able to do it and stay in my own bed will be a nice change."
The Charles Tour, which is named after Sir Bob Charles, does include some of New Zealand's top local golfers including Mark Brown, Michael Hendry and Josh Geary.
While the competition won't be of the same calibre as playing in Europe, Fox says playing any form of tournament play is important.
"For me its all about making sure I do the process and I've obviously got pride in how I play as well, so I want to turn up and play well and compete for the next two weeks."
"For me its about doing all the things I would do on the European Tour but with perhaps a little less pressure," said the 34 year old.
"It's fun playing with your mates but there's just something about compettion golf that does it for me and being able to execute under pressure and that'll be the thing I look forward to the most over the next couple of weeks."
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Fox is hoping to head back to Europe some time in May and play a full schedule for the rest of the year, however he admits with so many variables he doesn't expect to have a final plan until just before he leaves.
He hopes his family will be able to join him in Britain at some stage.
Fox played three events in the Middle East earlier this year finishing tied for sixth at the Saudi International.
He decided to return home instead of heading into Europe because of the uncertainty with the pandemic.
He's enjoyed being with his wife and new baby, but is keen to get back onto the tour.
"It's been tough being in limbo the last couple of months, having had a good start to the year and feeling like I was playing well and then having to shut it down.
"Hopefully when I go back I can find a bit of that form I had and these couple of weeks in New Zealand will certainly help with my preparation."
In the opening round of the Gulf Harbour Open Fox will play alongside Momoka Kobori who is currently the number one women's professional based in New Zealand and her younger brother Kazuma Kobori who is the reigning New Zealand Amateur Stroke Play champion.