Ryan Fox has strengthened his challenge at the Genesis Championship, firing a four-under-par 67 to move within three shots of the lead, while Daniel Hillier produced a timely recovery to put himself comfortably inside the projected cut.
Both New Zealanders improved on their opening rounds at Woo Jeong Hills Country Club on Friday, ensuring Kiwi fans have plenty to follow heading towards the weekend in South Korea.
Fox backed up Thursday’s 68 with a 67 to reach seven under par through 36 holes. With the second round nearing completion, he shared third place alongside France’s Martin Couvra, South Korea’s Sanghun Shin and Italy’s Filippo Celli.
South African Casey Jarvis and Frenchman Antoine Rozner set the halfway target at ten under. Jarvis followed his opening 65 with a 67, while Rozner reversed those scores to join him on 132.
For Fox, consecutive rounds in the 60s have created a clear opportunity to challenge over the final two days.
His seven-under total leaves him close enough to put pressure on the leaders on Saturday, with just three strokes separating him from the top of the leaderboard. Another round like Friday’s would give the New Zealander every chance to remain firmly involved in the title race.
Hillier Delivers The Response He Needed
Hillier also gave New Zealand supporters reason for encouragement, bouncing back from an opening one-over-par 72 with a three-under 68.
The four-shot improvement lifted him to two under for the tournament and a provisional share of 26th, transforming his position after a more difficult opening day.
With the projected cut sitting at one over, Hillier finished his second round three shots inside that mark.
Although he remains eight strokes behind the leading pair, Friday’s recovery gives him the platform to pursue a stronger finish. Two rounds remain to make further progress, and his second-round score was a positive response when he needed one.
Fox Leads New Zealand’s Weekend Challenge
Fox heads towards the weekend as the leading New Zealander, five shots ahead of Hillier and firmly among the closest challengers to Jarvis and Rozner.
His playing partner Eugenio Chacarra also recovered strongly on Friday, shooting 66 to reach four under. Fox nevertheless finished the first two rounds three shots ahead of the Spaniard.
Fellow Kiwi Kazuma Kobori returned a one-under 70 to reach level par, also inside the projected cut as the remaining groups completed their rounds.
For New Zealand fans, the immediate focus is Fox’s opportunity near the top. Seven under through two rounds has put him in a strong position — and with Hillier finding a better score on Friday, both have something to build on when play resumes.
Scores accurate as of Friday evening, 23 October 2026, New Zealand time. Both Fox and Hillier had completed 36 holes.
