Scotland’s Russell Knox says he’s going to a ‘John Daly’ now that he will contest a first Open Championship at the expense of the injured World No. 1 Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy has confirmed he will not tee up next week in the defence of the famed Claret Jug as he continues to recover from ruptured ligament in his left ankle and the legacy of a friendly football match last weekend.
The current World No. 77 ranked Knox was officially ‘first reserve’ into golf’s oldest major and learnt of his inclusion while contesting a Pro-Am ahead of Thursday’s starting Scottish Open at Gullane and to the east of Edinburgh.
“My wife sent me a text out on the golf course saying that Rory had withdrawn but I was waiting for official confirmation from the R & A but then my manager received an email from the R & A to say 100% I am into The Open,” said Knox.
Scotland’s Russell Knox now set to tee up in his first Open Championship. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)
“I was down on the 12th hole and had a big smile on my face when I got the text and bizarrely it was close to where I got a hole-in-one some years back.
“Naturally, I am disappointed for Rory as everyone is barracking for Rory as he’s in the prime of his career and he would have had a great chance to win at St. Andrews.
“Nobody wants to gain because another player is injured, so it is a horrible way to sneak in but I am very happy I am into my first Open Championship and can’t wait to give it a blast.”
The 30-year Jacksonville-based Knox has only previously contested two Majors finishing T45th in the 2013 U.S. Open while he missed the cut in last year’s PGA Championship.
“Now that I know I am into The Open it’s a great weight off my shoulders as it means it will now not be in the back of my mind playing in this week’s Scottish Open,” he said.
“So I am going to go all John Daly now I’ve got in last minute (laughing) but seriously I am thrilled as it will be now two big special weeks for me.
“I had been thinking about it all week since arriving back to Scotland as nothing would have been worse than to post two 80s and have to fly back home to Florida.
“So, it’s nice to know now I can focus fully on this week and then go to St. Andrews and prepare properly like every other player in the field without having to hang around to about 3pm next Thursday wondering if anyone is going to withdraw.
“So very sad for Rory but it’s a dream come true for me to be playing my first ever Open Championship at the Home of Golf at St. Andrews.”
McIlroy’s very good friend Ricky Fowler, who finished joint runner-up to McIlroy a year ago at Royal Liverpool, also expressed his disappointment.
“I thought reading the extent of Rory’s injury it would be pretty tough for him to be fit enough by next Thursday so it’s a big blow he’s had to withdraw,” said Fowler.
“It’s a bummer but it’s best Rory get himself back to 100% health and in the bigger picture that is the most important thing.
“You can’t live life too cautiously but it will be tough for Rory having to watch it now on TV.”
