Russell Knox reckons he owes good friend and fellow Jacksonville resident David Lingmerth a bottle of single malt Scotch after cracking the clubface of his driver on the opening day of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The driver was the club Knox used to capture last year’s WGC – HSBC Champions driver and it happened after the equipment clubs had left the K. Club course, and with Knox travelling to Ireland with just the one driver in his bag.

However and with the help of his wife, Andrea Knox managed to borrow a Ping driver off Lingmeth and after posting a first day 75 he came out on day two to shoot a 66, and the equal lowest score on day two.

Scotland’s Russell Knox clearly delighted to have made the cut and thanks to a borrowed driver

Knox’s 66 matched effort of fellow Scot Marc Warren who shares the lead on eight under par with Masters champion Danny Willett.

“It’s just great David Lingmerth came to the rescue as he had back-up one, and while it took a little adjustment on the range, all in all it felt good and hopefully it will serve me good now over the weekend,” said Knox.

“But I’ve now got three new drivers being sent to me by Cleveland that will be there next week at Wentworth.

“I may have to now buy him a bottle of single malt but then I may not be giving back his driver if I keep hitting it so well, as I hit four to five really good ones out there today.”