Leading New Zealand hope Ryan Fox started his quest for the ISPS HANDA New Zealand Open challenge with a solid 4-under 68 at The Hills today.

Fox, who only flew in to Queenstown on Tuesday from his latest European Tour stop in South Africa, was more than satisfied with his opening effort.

Starting from the 11^th at The Hills, Fox mixed five birdies with a solitary bogey in his 68.

“It was really solid. I had two bad shots all day. I got away with one but the other cost me a bogey. I hit lots of nice shots and probably left a couple out there on the greens but I’ve tended to struggle reading the greens at The Hills,” Fox said.

“As the cliché goes you can’t win the tournament on the first day but you can play your way out of it. So I am pretty happy with that start.”

He also lauded the efforts of Steve Williams who was on his bag for the first time.

“It was great having Steve on the bag. He instils so much confidence. Without being too bossy, he tells you exactly where he wants it to go. It feels like all I had to do is swing the golf club.

“My normal caddy is great but not with the experience of Steve obviously. He was happy for me to use Steve and see what we can take into my game going forward.”

Fox was pleased with his driving which he hopes will stand him in good stead as he heads to the longer Millbrook Resort course tomorrow.

“The first tee shot when I couldn’t feel my hands with the cold went into the rough but apart from that I managed to stay well away from it which was nice.”