Golf: Early US Open start for Kiwi Ryan Fox at Winged Foot

Kiwi Ryan Fox faces an early wake-up call in New York on Friday (NZ time), when he tees off in the first group at the US Open. 

The world No.168 will play alongside American Brandon Wu and Australian Curtis Lock in the first round at the infamous Winged Foot Golf Club.

The course has hosted two previous US Opens, with the 1970 edition labeled 'The Massacre at Winged Foot' with eventual champion Hale Irwin finishing at seven-over par. 

Fellow Kiwi Danny Lee won't be up so early, after drawing Americans Mark Hubbard and Lanto Griffin in one of the last groups of the day. 

Seeking a 16th Major title, Tiger Woods has been grouped with world No.2 Justin Thomas and PGA Championship winner Colin Morikawa for the first two days.

The Winged Foot course in New York
The Winged Foot course in New York Photo credit: Getty

Other groups worth monitoring see Irishman Rory McIlroy, Aussie Adam Scott and Englishman Justin Rose - all previous Major champions - play together, as will Americans Bryson DeChambeau, Tony Finau and world No.1 Dustin Johnson. 

World No. 2 Jon Rahm is grouped with veteran Phil Mickelson and Englishman Paul Casey.

The winner will pocket US$2.16 million (NZ$3.22m).