One of the European Tour’s newest members in Scotland’s Russell Knox is uncertain if he can balance a schedule playing both on the PGA Tour and the European Tour.
The Scot earned a five-year exemption in capturing last year’s WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.
Russell Knox chatting on the Abu Dhabi Practice range
Unfortunately his Chinese success did not count towards the Ryder Cup but then Knox did earn points a week later in finishing runner-up in the Myakoba Championship in Mexico.
And ahead of teeing up in this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Knox spoke of his excitement in being a full European Tour player.
Knox, proudly wearing his European Tour member’s badge on his trousers belt, will play the opening two rounds in the UAE capital alongside Ryder Cup Darren Clarke.
“When I saw Darren Clarke was playing here, I told my wife two weeks ago, ‘I bet you I’m paired with him’ and I’ve been proved right,” said Knox.
“We’ve only said ‘hi’ to each other in the past so it is a great opportunity for us to get to know each other.
“I’m interested to see how it goes playing with Darren. I might be a little more nervous than I would be if I wasn’t playing with him. But it’s a good thing.
“I watched the EurAsia Cup on TV last week. It was amazing. His team played unbelieveable. He’s a great guy, so it will be a good two days here.”
However while Knox should get on well with Clarke the Jacksonville-based Scot admits he could struggle to play both side of ‘The Pond’ this season.
“I think I will struggle a bit trying to play two Tours as this will be my first year doing a lot of travelling, though it hasn’t done me any harm recently,” he said.
“I need to be careful not to expect too much, though my goals are high and we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
“When I was looking at the schedule to see what events I could play in Europe, it was very difficult and things might still change. I’ve included the Irish Open and the BMW PGA Chanmpionship as I’d like to play in as many UK-based events as possible as it allows me to go home.
“I’m also playing in the Scottish Open, of course, and that will be my fifth major. I don’t think you can compare my presence to Rory’s but I’m looking forward to being there, that’s for sure. It’s the No 1 tournament on my schedule.
“In the summer, once the US Open starts it is one big event after the other and the year will be gone in a flash, I’m sure.”
And as Knox stood on the Abu Dhabi Practice Range he did so, and after so many close victory calls until winning in China late last year, he finally belongs on the world stage.
“The win did my confidence the world of good. I can now stand on a range full of superstars and know that I’ve managed to beat them over four days,” he said
“That is a comforting feeling, believe me.
“At the same time, a win brings higher expectation levels and I am going to have to manage that. I’m glad I missed the cut last week because it’s knocked me back down and reminded me about how you have to keep working hard in this game.
“And the big goal for me this year is I’d like to try and get another win while the Ryder Cup is another big goal. The Tour Championship in the US is another target as I have been reasonably close the last couple of years. Achieving that would set me up nicely for 2017.”
Knox was not wearing shorts when we chatted with him and laughed when he explained why.
“I would definitely have worn shorts this week in practice and the Pro-Am(had he known beforehand they were allowed),” he said
“But a girl I went to college with once told me, ‘You know, you have great legs – for a woman!” That wasn’t the greatest compliment!
“I just read this morning that shorts are now being allowed. I think it’s a great initiative for the European Tour. There’s no reason why not, especially in practice and pro-ams.”
