Russell Knox revealed his source of motivation in watching TV coverage of Victoria Azarenka defeat Serena Williams at the U.S. Open tennis for the Scot the to remain well in contention heading to the closing two rounds of the Safeway Open in Napa, California.

After securing a first for the 2020/21 PGA Tour new season by leading the opening round of 50 events, Knox birdied his closing two holes in a second round three-under par 69 to move to 12-under in the $6m tournament.

If left the double Tour winning Knox just three shots behind American Sam Burns, who has posted scores of 64 and 65 to head the field 15-under.

Fellow American Harry Higgs ended his day in sensational manner in holing out for an albratross ‘2’ at the last in his score of 62 to be in second place at 13-under.

Russell Knox birdies his closing two holes to remain in conention heading to day three of the Safeway OPen

Higgs had 250-yards to the green at the par-5 18th to record, and what the Tour reported, is the first albatross in the history of the event.

Knox went into round two in the afternoon half of the draw having posted his Tour lowest of a 63 in nearly six-years and while he only picked-up three birdies, it was a second straight showing on the Silverado resort course without a bogey.

“I was probably a little edgy starting out, just the fact I haven’t shot a first round as good as that in a long time,” said the Scot.

“I hit the ball well today. I played fairly conservative into some holes. I was kind of in between yardages, but I felt like I played well.  I could have shot a lower score than I did. I didn’t really hole the putts today, but to finish birdie-birdie 3 under was very satisfying.”

Knox is looking for a first taste of success on the Tour since capturing the 2016 Travelers Championship and on the same day Jim Furyk set the all-time Tour lowest score in shooting a 58 in Connecticut.

Victoria Azarenka defeat Serena Williams to reach the final of the U.S. Open

Knox was what is was like when you put up a good low number, then you come out here and then before tee-off find yourself six strokes back?

“Yeah, it was kind of nice to be back because, I mean, it just showed you had to go out there. Yes, 9 under first round is always going to be good, but I had to kind of push on a little bit because I knew if I didn’t play great, I wasn’t going to be up near the lead again,” he said.

“So it was nice to kind of get a couple there at the end to get me right up there.”

And there was some long overdue excitement from Knox, and following a very poor 2019/20 season, with a few fist pumps in finishing his round the great manner he did and with the Florida-based Scot revealing his source of inspiration in holing closing birdie putts of eight feet and three feet.

“It means everything to have birdied the last two holes” said Knox.

“I watched a great tennis match last night, Serena Williams and Azarenka. Azarenka got dominated the first set. It was amazing so watch her pump herself up. Her body language changed and it was really amazing how she lifted her level of play and was able to go on and win the match.

“It kind of inspired me to try and do that today. I mean, when things were kind of in neutral, I was like, you know what, let’s get going here. A little Friday fist pumps never hurt anyone.”

Of course, those that know Knox his wife Andrea is a former touring tennis pro.