Hole 1 – Par 4, 364m
Talk me through the initial phone call to Ryan Fox ahead of the first event?
“I actually saw the success of a concept like the Black Clash a few years ago and then thought there’s got to be something we can do in golf.
“The six-hole concept fits into that two-three hour slot perfectly and then really it was a call to Foxy in mid-2022, I ran an idea past him.
“It was originally pitched as a Lydia Ko vs Ryan Fox Ryder Cup style set-up and then then it’s just formed into an idea.
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“He was happy to put his name on it and Chasing the Fox formed, it’s built around big celebrity star power, a lot of eyeballs on the game all built around Ryan Fox.”
Hole 2 – Par 3, 138m
Starting an event like this from scratch is obviously fraught with challenges, what difficulties did you run into in the first couple of years?
“We had no idea what we were doing, really.
“We were running boxing events in the past. Two years younger and a bit more bullish, you call Ryan Fox with this idea.
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“In your head, it’s going to play out a certain way; this festival of golf, this party of golf but, reality is you are building something from scratch, you’re trying to build a new brand you’re trying to explain a concept that hasn’t been done before.
“The first event we only announced on six weeks’ notice, but Foxy was still keen to run it and ultimately a few things went on behind the scenes, but we delivered event on.”
Hole 3 – Par 5, 480mSir John Key after his hole-in-one in 2022. Photo / Photosport
Tell me about how ‘that’ hole-in-one by a former Prime Minister kicked the event into the next stage.
“Sir John Key gets his hole-in-one and that sort of breathed life into event two which tripled in size and we learned from how to deliver a premium golf event.
“Year three is delivering on that initial phone call, the vision Foxy and I had for it, which is now Chasing the Fox 2024.”
Hole 4 – Par 4, 340mThe fourth hole approach shot requires precision to navigate the greenside bunkers and creek. Photo / Will Toogood
Ticket sales have surged massively for this year’s event, what do you put that down to?
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“Foxy’s star power and name is the best that he’s had on tour – he’s become a household name and our biggest star in golf along with Lydia Ko.
“The unique nature of the concept and the timing are a big part of it, as well. People are winding down for Christmas – we’re tying to make golf accessible and it’s a chance to not be too serious for one day a year on a golf course and have a bit of fun.
“Having it at a course in Royal Auckland and Grange that typically is private every other week of the year, we open the gates and people get to experience that as well.”
Hole 5 – Par 3, 156m
Chasing the Fox isn’t your usual golf tournament, why do people keep coming back each year?
“Unlike typical golf events, you can really get up close and personal. It’s truly a beyond-the-ropes experience.
“You’re walking next to Ryan Fox or an All Black or a cricketer down the fairway chatting to them – it’s a very intimate experience which culminates in this final party hole drama.
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“We’re trying to turn golf into a live spectator sport, which it is typically difficult to do and anyone that’s watched a golf tournament live will tell you it’s not the easiest sport to follow.”
Hole 6 – Par 3, 155mRoyal Auckland and Grange’s 18th hole has been converted from a par four to a par three for added drama. Photo / Will Toogood
You’ve added more fulltime golfers to the field this year, what’s the thought process behind that?
“We wanted to add a bit more golf talent outside of Ryan Fox. Fans can come along and see New Zealand’s own Dan Hillier, Mac Boucher and Taco Golf who all play their own ball.
“The event comes down to this final entertaining party hole and with Betcha coming on board creating what we envisioned is very exciting and has delivered on what we envisioned at the start of the year.”
TAB Chasing the Fox
Location: Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club
Date: December 13
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Time: Gates open 2pm, golf begins 5pm
Teams Field: Ryan Fox, Dan Hillier, Taco Golf, Mac Boucher, Rugby, Cricket, NZ Warriors, Olympians, media, politicians and more.
How to watch: TVNZ 1, 7pm
Will Toogood is an online sports editor and golf reporter for the NZ Herald. He enjoys watching people chase a ball around on a grass surface so much he decided to make a living out of it.
