Irish Open: Ryan Fox leads after first round.

Golf General

Irish Open: Ryan Fox leads after first round.

New Zealand's Ryan Fox leads after the first round by one-shot in Irish Open at Mount Juliet.

Ryan Fox was surprised to find himself setting the pace in the Irish Open, despite his brilliant form this season.

The 35-year-old, Fox shot eight birdies, including seven in his last 11 holes, to card an impressive eight-under-par 64 on the opening day of play in County Kilkenny and enjoy a one-shot lead over Frederic Lacroix, Jorge Campillo, Fabrizio Zanotti and Marcel Schneider.