Scotland’s Russell Knox ended his Valspar Championship third round on a positive note sending a second shot 9-iron to just three feet for birdie at the last in a score of a one under par 70 to move to back to one over par.
It was among three birdies in his round that also included two bogeys to leave him T30th with a round to play in the $US 6.1m event on the Copperhead Course.
“It was a good positive note to end on as I didn’t think I could get my second shot so close given I was on a downhill slope and downwind,” he said.
2015 Scottish Player of the Year Russell Knox signing autographs after his round.
“But the good thing today was that I hit some decent putts despite leaving a few right in the jaws, and that was just a case of not being aggressive enough.
“So I felt I played much better than my score and the only disappointment in bogeying the par five fifth with a wedge in my hand while I bogeyed eight from a greenside bunker, and while it was an easy bunker shot I just ‘decelled’ on it.
“The sand in the bunkers is new this week so I guess they’ve caught everyone out and really they’re not tournament ready and maybe that is a reason why the overall scoring is not that good, and while it is windy, if you do hit in the bunker there is a huge penalty.
“So now with a round to play I am confident there is a low one in the bag as I have been driving the ball great while my iron-play is strong.
Russell Knox wins Scottish Player of The Year – 2015
“And it would be really nice if I could finish the tournament under par, as that would be a nice reward.”
And Knox, who is celebrating his 100th PGA Tour event, spoke of his delight in being awarded on Friday night – ‘Scottish Player of the Year’.
“I would have loved to be there in person and I was just so pleased my sister could accept the award on my behalf,” he said.
“And it would be a nice award to win many more times.”
