New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox says making the Presidents Cup team is his biggest goal for 2026 as he heads to Augusta National Golf Club for his third US Masters appearance starting Thursday.
The 39-year-old told 1News he felt his game was in good shape heading into the first major of the year, a tournament where he has recorded two top-40 finishes.
"I feel like my good golf is good enough to compete with these guys, it'd just be nice to find it in one of these big weeks like this," Fox said.
"If you can't get excited for the Masters, as a golfer, I don't know if you can get excited and get up for any tournaments, to be honest."
For Fox, it's his third trip to East Georgia, and a place he loves spending time.
"There's something special about the place, in general — the history there, the fact it's been at the same golf course since 1934 — and obviously as a fan it's an amazing experience — but as a player, you still feel the same way."
Augusta has held a special place for Fox since his first appearance at the tournament.
"I think it's one of those golf courses where if you play well, you can score easily.
"It can play tough, but it rewards good shots and penalises bad shots. I like golf courses like that, where you've really got to commit to your shots and be a bit creative."
While a big showing at the Masters was ideal, his main 2026 goal comes later in the year.
"The biggest goal I want to achieve this year outcome-wise is getting on that Presidents Cup team," he told 1News.
"I kind of feel like if I can make that team, then a lot of good things have happened for me to get there."
Fox was currently seventh in the Presidents Cup rankings, with the top six players automatically qualifying for the International side. If he makes the team, he would be the first New Zealander selected that way since Danny Lee in 2015.
He knows a strong result at the Masters would help his cause.
“I feel like I'm in a good place this year, obviously being in all the big events, being in most of the majors," he said.
“I've been involved in all the conversations around the team, and there's obviously a decent number of international players playing well this year, but it's nice to be involved in some of those conversations.”
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