Scotland’s Russell Knox while disappointed to let slip victory in his very first appearance in the Irish Open was full of praise in recognising the brilliance of Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy came from one shot behind Knox to birdie the 16th and then sensationally eagle the last in a round of 69 for a 12-under par tally and win by three shots from Knox and Welshman Bradley Dredge (66) who shared second place on nine under par.
Knox went into the final round of Euro 4m event trailing four stroke behind the World No. 3 ranked McIlroy but then found himself in the lead after back-to-back birdies at 14 and 15 on the rain-softened K. Club course.
The Scot had been using a borrowed driver for the final three rounds after cracking the face of his driver, and the club that won him last November’s WGC – HSBC Champions event, on the first day of the premier Irish tournament.
Russell Knox full of praise for Irish Open winner Rory McIlroy.
Fortunately, Knox was able to borrow a spare driver belonging to Sweden’s and fellow Jacksonville, Florida resident, David Lingmerth who was also competing in the event for a first occasion.
Knox is set to be reunited at this week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in Surrey, England and an event Knox is also contesting for a first occasion as a member now of the European Tour.
But before leaving the Emerald Isle he singled out McIlroy for praise.
“I can’t wait to get to Wentworth, and Rory’s not going, so that’s good for me,” said Knox smiling.
“I also will get my old driver back but then it would have been nice, right when it really mattered, to have old faithful. But thanks to David Lingmerth, he did a great job in loaning me one of his drivers.
“Looking back, I played brilliant to be honest. I had loads of chances. Made some, missed some. I was very happy the way I played.
“The 16th was a huge turning point. But I mean, the shots that Rory hit in the end, he deserves to win.
“It was amazing playing alongside Rory. The Irish crowds are phenomenal here. Of course they are rooting for Rory, just like they would root for me in Scotland.
“But in the end, Rory hit two of the best shots over those last three holes you will ever see so he deserved it.”
McIlroy is remaining in Ireland and on Monday (local time) will visit the nearby Carton House Golf Resort where he will speak to members of the Ireland Men’s Hockey team who qualified for this year’s Rio Olympics.
