On top of the recent high of getting married Russell Knox is still dealing with the sadness of the passing of his coach.

Knox attended the funeral last Monday of Mike Fleming, his 71-year old coach for some eight years.

“Mike had some health issues ever since I have known him and while he died a few weeks ago it was only last week that his funeral was held,” he said.

Russell Knox is one of 15 first-timers competing in this week’s $US 10m Players Championship but trying to come to terms with the passing of his coach, Mike Fleming. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“So it was very tough dealing with that, and that’s another reason why I decided not to play in the Wells Fargo last week.

“It was very sad news and I am sure he will be looking down on me and helping me out this week.

“We were pretty close and it came as a real blow to me when he died but then I’m sure Mike will be very proud of me given what I have been accomplishing this year including competing this week in the Players for a first time.

“Mike helped me more than anyone and I owe everything to him, and I know he will continue to be an inspiration to me and it would be nice to win one of these events for him.”

Knox is no stranger to the Pete Dye designed Stadium course living as he does some 15 minutes drive from TPC Sawgrass.

“One of my big goals this year was to play in tournaments I haven’t played before so that makes this week special,” he said.

“I also know both the golf courses here very well and played the Stadium courses a bunch of times.

“So I know how to play the golf course and even thought I haven’t played a tournament here I don’t think that is going to be a problem.

“It means I know what to do and it’s just a matter of going out and doing it.

“I’ve been playing very well of late, so everything still feels sharp and another reason for not playing last week was that I wanted to feel super fresh for this week, and that’s how I feel.

And Knox also expressed his delight in being afforded an invitation to contest this year’s Scottish Open, and revealing it has been the first time in his career he has made such an approach to a tournament organiser.

“That was a huge goal of mine at the start of the year to play the Scottish and when I received the news I was thrilled,” he said.

“I’ve never ever received an invitation into a tournament before so it nice to receive it, and it’s going to probably be the highlight of my year travelling back to Scotland.

“It would be nice also to be playing the week after, so that also would be great it that worked out but if not I will stay over there that week and spend time with my sister and family”.

Both Knox and Stephen Gallacher are among 15 first-timers teeing-up in the $US 10m event.