Russell Knox will be hoping if he wins a second WGC – HSBC Champions title organisers spell his name correctly second time around after grabbing a share of third place on day one of the WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.
Scotland’s top-ranked player delighted in posting a bogey-free six under par 66 to be trailing just two shots behind Swede Rikard Karlberg who capped his round of 64 birding four holes in succession mid-round on the rain-softened Sheshan course.
American Rickie Fowler, who is grouped with Knox for the opening two rounds of the $US 9.5m event, is in second spot after shooting a 65.
Scotland’s Russell Knox quickly puts himself in position to capture a second straight WGC – HSBC Champions title. (Photo – European Tour)
Knox, like Karlberg, also capped his round with four birdies in a row and from his 14th hole.
“I’m always thrilled with no bogeys, and my first round, never my strongest round,” he said.
“So to get off to a flyer and shoot six-under, delighted.
“I didn’t put any pressure on myself. I didn’t feel overly tight out there, so I was proud of myself to kind of relax and enjoy it.
“It can only be your first defence once, and so make sure I’m going to have a good time the next three days.
“And playing alongside Rickie and Paul Casey was great as we had an amazing time today.
“It’s always nice to see good shots and putts go in, and it helps your mental side of it. So we kind of fed off each other and it was a very strong group.”
Knox’s effort in Fowler’s company, and in the defence of the first to two PGA Tour titles this coming 2016/17 PGA Tour season for the Scot, continues to draw attention to being overlooked for a European Ryder Cup wildcard pick.
But then Knox was not about to dwell on that as he sets about becoming the first player in the 12-year history of the Shanghai event to retain the title.
“When you’re playing with Rickie Fowler, nobody cares if I’m defending champion,” he said.
So that always takes a little pressure off, but no, of course, some people have, and it’s an honour to be the defending champion.
“Hopefully I can keep my trophy.”
However, if Knox does get to keep the trophy it is hoped that organisers spell his name correct as when his replica eventually arrived at his residence in Florida his surname was spelt – KNOW.
Four-time Major winning Rory McIlroy returned to competition for a first time packing a TaylorMade M2 driver in his bag but struggled with just two birdies in a one under par 71
“It was okay and I felt like with the way I hit it, I probably could have squeezed a couple more out of the round,” said McIlroy.
“I was trying to stay as patient as I could. I had a good chance for eagle on 16 and missed, but made birdie.
