Not since 2003 - when Dunedin's Mahal Pearce won at Middlemore - has a New Zealander won their home tournament.
There are plenty of contenders from these islands to win the tournament but too many times over the past few years an unknown Australian or someone from even further afield has steamed through to win the title.
Fox, fresh from a tournament in South Africa where he failed to make the cut, said now was as good a time as any for there to be a winner from New Zealand.
''I think I said last year we have got a lot of Kiwi guys playing well. Certainly this is the year to do it. Hopefully, that is me, but if it's not me, there are a few guys who have been playing well,'' Fox said.
Fox will be caddied by Steve Williams, the man who has carried the bags for Tiger Woods and Adam Scott. Williams felt a hometown win was a possibility.
''We have some very capable players that could do well. Golf is very healthy here right now so this week is a great chance, including Ryan, and Michael Hendry is having a great run at the moment, so one of those guys could be favoured to step up and take the trophy,'' Williams said.
''It has been a long while and it would be good to see a Kiwi win it.''
Fox and Williams are combining for the first time and it will be the first time Williams has caddied for a New Zealander since he carried the bag of Bob Charles in 1979.
The combination appears to have clicked already.
''We played yesterday for the first time together and I have walked round with Steve a few times and it has been pretty good so far,'' Fox said.
The greens are firm and the rough a little longer than usual, Fox said, so accuracy should be rewarded.
Fox (30) said his form had not been far away.
''It's been very, very close of late. I have been playing very nicely without really putting the scores on the board. The goal this week is to be in contention come Sunday afternoon. I'd love to see my name on the trophy at the end of the week.''
Missing the cut last week was a blessing in disguise, as travelling back from South Africa had been tough but he was now past that and feeling good.
Fox will be the first golfer Williams has caddied for who plays in metres, so there will be an adjustment for the caddie.
Fox will tee off at the Hills at 8.03am today, playing with his father, former All Black Grant Fox, and Ashburton professional Daniel Pearce.
Other New Zealanders with a chance include Hendry, Ben Campbell and Shaun Jones, who at one stage last week at the NZPGA was on course for a 59.
Defending champion Matt Griffin will try to be the first player to defend the Open crown in more than 30 years when he tees off this afternoon at the Hills.
Griffin is coming off a 19-over effort at the WGC tournament in Mexico, so his form is not great.
He just flew in yesterday after taking two days to get back from Mexico and was excited to be back in Queenstown.
''I don't feel too bad having jumped off the plane ... but it's great to be back in Queenstown. Lots of friends and family here, so hopefully it will be a good week.''
