Augusta, GA …
Russell Knox was first surprised and then delighted to contest the opening two rounds of the Masters alongside Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama.
Knox has slipped to No. 23 in the world on the back of some recent indifferent form whereas Fowler, winner earlier this year of the Honda Classic, tees up in his seventh Masters as the new World No. 8 having shared third place a week ago in Hoston
And Matsuyama retained his No. 4 world ranking on the back of his PGA Tour success earlier this year.
“I just didn’t expect to find myself in such a great grouping so I am really pleased and it should be fun”, he said.
Scotland’s Russell Knox at first surprised and then delighted to learn he is grouped with Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama.
“I know Rickie really while I get on with Hideki really well and even moreso as he now his name under mine on the HSBC Champions trophy.
“One thing is certain is that there should be great buzz around the group that should make for a big patron following the first two days.
“Also with the way Rickie has been playing of late and given how well Hideki finished off last year and then took that winning form into this year, you can be assured there should be plenty of birdies out there.
“I just hope that I can get amongst birdies, as well.”
Knox was undecided given the poor forecast for Wednesday if he will play the course in practice for one last time ahead of the 12 year old and seven year old two nieces of his wife’s sister caddying for the Scot in the Par 3 Contest.
And Knox already received a good omen to play well this week having drawn Masters badge No. 59 and such being the 59th player to register.
“It would be nice to shoot the first ever 59 in Masters history but I think I would be happy shooting four 69s,” he said.
“If I can do that this week, and given the weather conditions, I should be there or thereabouts.”
