Scotland’s Russell Knox has joined the European Tour and with European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke offering him every encouragement to make next year’s European side.

Knox burst onto the international stage in grand manner capturing the WGC – HSBC Champions as his maiden tour title and then a week later travelled to Mexico only to lose out in a play-off for Mexico’s Major – the Mayakoba Classic.

Unfortunately the Scot’s first and second place finish will not count towards Ryder Cup qualifying as the US-based Scot was not a member of the European Tour and results are not retrospective.

Darren Clarke encourages Russell KNox to continue his good form. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

And while Clarke, who is contesting this week’s Australian Open, has been impressed by Knox’s great form he’s also given Knox a huge lift in striving to qualify for the Ryder Cup.

“I don’t know Russell all that well but his efforts in Shanghai and Mexico were just brilliant,” said Clarke.

“He’s been showing signs of doing something like he did in Shanghai for some time so I am delighted for him and now that he’s joined the European Tour for 2016 anything he does will count towards possible selection.

“The way I see it Russell still has four Majors and a handful of WGCs he’s now into next season to repeat what he did in Shanghai, so all I can do is wish him well.”