New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has finished second at the prestigious Australian Master of the Amateurs tournament at Melbourne.

Aucklander Fox shot a 66 yesterday at the Royal Melbourne golf club to be on 279, three-shots behind the winner, Tarquin McManus.

It was a great recovery by Fox who led the tournament after two rounds until a triple bogey on the 18th hole of Thurstday's third round sent him down the leader board into eighth.

England's Andrew Sullivan and Australia's Ryan McCarthy shared second place with Fox, who led after 36 holes.

Hamilton's Matthew Perry had a 77 today for a 295 total which put him 30th.

Fellow Srixon Academy players Ben Campbell (Masterton) and Brad Kendall (Mt Maunganui) missed the cut.

The 72-hole strokeplay tournament, regarded as the top amateur tournament in the world, also featured players from England, Scotland, France, Wales, Canada and the United States.