Horizon Irish Open leader Ryan Fox is eyeing up a Super Saturday at Shane Lowry's expense.
If Fox, the first round pace-setter at Mount Juliet after carding a 64 yesterday, can follow that up at the Kilkenny course today then he will go out late in the moving round on Saturday.
It would mean the 35-year-old Kiwi can watch the first All Blacks v Ireland summer Test at 8.05am tomorrow - and he has skin in that game with Lowry.
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"I have a bet with Shane on who's going to win and I'm giving away 10 points (in a handicap), although it sounds like my team might be playing with half a team at this point," said Fox, referring to the Covid problems in the All Blacks camp.
"The first Test of the year (for the All Blacks) is always a big one - generally we're a little bit rusty, but also I feel a little bit of excitement.
"That would be really nice, to be able to watch it."
Fox has come close to winning the Irish Open twice before - coming fourth at Ballyliffin behind John Rahm in 2017 and second to Russell Knox the following year.
"It just feels a little bit like home, to be honest," he said, explaining his good form in Ireland.
"The people are great, the golf course is great.
"I feel really comfortable here, where my game's at, which probably hasn't happened for a few years out here now.
"And it's obviously a recipe for success. I've gotten close a few times the last few weeks - it'd certainly be nice to get another one over the line.
"But it's pretty hard to win out here, and being in contention every week is pretty taxing as well.
"So I'm excited to do it, and hopefully I've got another chance this week."
Fox's interest in Ireland's clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park goes beyond that of your typical rugby loving Kiwi.
His father is Grant, the legendary New Zealand out-half who kicked the All Blacks to World Cup glory in 1987 and is finishing up as a long-time selector under Ian Foster after the series with Ireland.
In fact Joe Schmidt was to replace the 60-year-old's after the three Tests.
But the former Leinster and Ireland head coach has come on board early due to Covid ripping through the management team - and the All Blacks squad ahead of the Eden Park clash.
"Yeah, I think Joe was first to take it after the series, but we've lost enough people that he's had to be called in," said Fox.
"So I'm not really sure what the roles are or whatever for this week.
"I think it's just all hands on deck and trying to get this week out of the way, and hopefully everyone is going to recover for next week."
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