Bethpage Park, NY … Russell Knox is hoping his can shake off a mystery ‘bug’ after struggling in posting a two over par 73 on the opening day of the Barclays Championship on Long Island.
Knox, who picked up the illness of his wife’s niece, was three-over par through just five holes on the ‘easier’ outward nine of the ultra-tough Bethpage Park Black course.
Scotland’s top-ranked fought back with birdies at seven and 12 but ended holing a five-footer for the fourth bogey in his round.
He said: “I am just a little under the weather and just couldn’t concentrate the first few holes, and just going through the motions and then before I knew it I was three over with the hardest part of the course still to go.
Russell Knox not wanting to get too close to fans after his round of 73 on day one of the Barclays.
“I was happy to get two shots back as it could have got ugly as I was feeling horrible and hitting the ball horrible.
“I was coughing all day and I guess my energy levels weren’t high enough but given I’ve had this now for a couple of days, hopefully I’ve broken the back of it and will be okay in the morning.”
And while Knox dealt with a mystery virus four-time Major winning Rory McIlroy avoided a Dustin Johnson U.S. Open-like rules scare at the fourth or 12th hole of his round of a level par 71.
McIlroy lightly grounded his new Scotty Cameron putter behind his ball but then moments after taking away the putter his ball moved albeit very slightly.
He said: “The fourth green is very exposed to the wind and I told the ref what happened, and he said with the wind and everything, I don’t think you caused the ball to move.
“So I just played it from where it was.”
