It’s not everyday that you get to play in a field full of big names, let alone be paired with one of them in your opening rounds.

For Kiwi Ryan Fox, the draw couldn’t have been more stimulating, finding himself side by side with World Number 16 Matt Kuchar for round one and two of the Fiji International.

"I was a bit surprised really, obviously really excited when I saw it, we don’t get to much of an opportunity to play with the big boys down here," said Fox who has recently won on the European Challenge Tour.

"Matt’s a great guy and you can obviously see that he’s a great player, it was a good round of golf today. It was a good experience all round."

Fox admitted he was nervous initially but his nerves soon settled after opening his round with a great tee shot off the first.

"I wasn’t sure what the nerves were on the first tee, if it was playing with Matt or how hard that first tee shot is."

"It’s probably one of the hardest tee shots on the course and I hammed one down the middle which was quite a nice feeling."

However, it wasn’t just the solid start that put Fox as ease. Having the ability to chat with a world class Professional like Kuchar during his round assisted Fox in keeping his nerves in check.

"Talking to Matt you realise he’s just a nice guy, he’s easy to talk to and it relaxed the nerves quite a lot."

Fox is hoping that Friday produces better conditions on course and is keen to see what Kuchar will produce heading into the weekend.  

"It would certainly be good to get a nicer day Friday and see how Matt goes about things."

In brutal conditions that continue to lash the Natadola Bay Golf Course, Fox finished the first round on 4-over 76.

Fox, Kuchar and Matt Goggin will be back in action for round two of the Fiji International, with the trio teeing off from the first at 7:05am this morning.

You can catch the live broadcast through FoxSports.