Despite his Ryder Cup snub Russell Knox defends his WGC – HSBC Champions crown this week vowing to remain a member of the European Tour.
A year ago, Knox first overcame delays in getting a Chinese visa before breaking through for a maiden Tour success in the best manner possible by denying overwhelming favourite, Dustin Johnson to claim the Euro 1.26m first prize.
Knox went into the final day tied with Johnson and won by two shots, and with Johnson relegated to a share of fifth.
It prompted Johnson to recently remark: “Russell just hosed me out in Shanghai.”
Russsell Knox now heading to Shanghai to defend his WGC – HSBC Champions title. (Photo – European Tour).
The Inverness-born Knox chocked back the tears in celebrating a break through pro victory with his wife, Andrea and with thoughts of his coach, Mike Flemming who had passed away some 18 months earlier.
But little did Knox know at the time of being handed the Old Tom Morris Trophy the hurt he would endue some nine months later in not electing before teeing off in China to join the European Tour.
Had Knox paid the minimal joining fee victory in the Chinese financial capital would have counted towards Ryder Cup qualifying.
As it turned out, the Scot bravely fell short as the top non-qualifier, and with two victories in the European qualifying period, but then snubbed by European Team Captain, Darren Clarke in favour of Martin Kaymer, Thomas Pieters and a then very struggling Lee Westwood.
Russell Knox reveals a Shanghai surprise with a replica of the Old Tom Morris trophy arriving with his name spelt – KNOW.
Knox received all the other rewards such as the cash prize, the World Rankings points and the double reward of a two-year exemption on both the PGA and European Tour’s.
And despite the bitter disappointment of not being picked for Hazeltine, Knox holds no grudges and intends remaining a member of the European Tour heading to 2017.
“Yes, I will remain at member of the European Tour next year,” said Knox when I spoke to him during the recent Tour Championship at Atlanta.
“It’s been a great 12 months for since winning the HSBC Champions and I also feel it’s been great for my game to be competing around the world.
“So I can look back on my European Tour season with pride having gone head-to-head with Rory in his own backyard, and forcing him into playing two of the greatest he’s played down the stretch to nudge me out of victory in the Irish Open.
A great photo of Russell Knox and his biggest supporter, wife Andrea. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
“And then to return home to Scotland and back to Inverness, as a Tour winner and to experience the out-pouring of support was very special.
“However looking ahead to 2017, I am not 100 per cent sure if I will play anymore than I did this year. I really haven’t looked at it fully as I will be focusing in the USA but I will continue to be a member of the European Tour, for sure.”
After spending the week of the Ryder Cup relaxing with his wife in the Bahamas, Knox jumped back in the deep end at today’s (SUN) concluding CIMB Classic in Malaysia before he heads tomorrow morning (MON Local time) to Shanghai.
Knox then travels to Mexico for the Mayakoba Championship where last year he was runner-up before representing Scotland for a first occasion in his pro career in the November 24th starting World Cup of Golf in Australia.
Then it’s back to the States for hopeful starts in the Tiger Woods hosted Hero World Challenge (Dec 1-4) and the Franklin Templeton Shootou (Dec 8-10).
