Scotland’s Russell Knox is not about to dwell on the past when he tees up in this week’s Honda Classic.
A year ago, Knox brilliantly worked his way into a three-man play-off but along with Rory McIlroy lost out to American Russell Hendley at the first extra-play off hole on the PGA National course here in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
It remains Knox’s best finish in 70 PGA Tour events as the affable Scot continues to work hard towards a break through victory.
“It’s nice to come back to the Honda as I have fond memories from last year’s event and I went so close which was nice,” he said.
“But then I am cautious not to put too much pressure on myself and even though I had a great tournament he last year, that’s doesn’t count for nothing this week.
Russell Knox tees off the 10th hole in today’s Honda Classic Pro-Am. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“Though in saying that it’s always nice coming back to a course you have played well on.
“However it was the first time I was in that situation and I felt like I handled it as well as I could, and I felt good at the time and the next time I am in there with a chance of winning I feel as though I will be able to handle it better.”
Knox is contesting his 10th event of the 2014/15 PGA Tour wraparound schedule with his best finish being third last October in the Shiners Hospital for Children Open.
And joining Knox this week is fellow Scot Stephen Gallacher who has been afforded an invitation into the event ahead of teeing-up next week in the WGC – Cadillac Championship in Miami.
“It’s just amazing to be standing here on the range and see so many people here,” said Gallacher.
“To have received an invitation to compete is just fantastic, and apart from Henrik Stenson, the whole 2014 European Ryder Cup team is present.
“And this week’s event and next week’s Cadillac Championship really are the first big showdown tournaments of the New Year, and on two brilliant golf courses.
“It’s also nice to get back into competition as I’ve had three weeks at home including a week up in Aviemore with the family which was great.”
Gallacher will play the opening two rounds of the $US 6.1m event in the company of Australia’s Robert Allenby and the center of a bizarre, and much talked about incident earlier this year in Hawaii.
