Scotland’s Russell Knox has double cause to feel right at home teeing-up in this week’s Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida.
Knox made a sensational debut in the $US 6.1m (£4.45m) event two years ago losing out in a four-man play-off to American Russell Henley, and with Rory McIlroy also in the play-off on the PGA National course.
The Jacksonville-based Knox had posted a second round 63 and while needing a birdie to win, the Scot flew the green with his approach shot but then holing a 10-footer par putt to make the play-off.
However Knox has extra spring in his step competing in his first event on Florida-home soil since capturing last year’s WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.
Scotland’s Russell Knox has double cause to feel right at home at PGA National. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Russell Knox competing on route to leading his team to victory in the Pro Am.
“It’s always nice coming back to a venue where you have played well and I have so many fond memories from 2014 but then past success doesn’t always guarantee anything when you step onto that first tee,” he said.
“However in saying that it’s great to be back competing in Florida as it’s the first time I am competing in Florida since winning out in China.”
But then Knox, who continues to ride high in third spot on the FedEx Cup points table, tees up having missed the cut in his two events on the Californian ‘West Coast Swing’.
“I knew the West Coast Swing was always going to be a right off for me given the amount of travel I had undertaken from the end of last year to the start of the New Year,” he added.
Scotland’s Russell Knox happy to sign autographs during today’s Pro-Am.
Scotland’s Russell Knox tees up in the Honda Classic with fond memories of finishing joint runner-up two years ago.
“So I kind of view being back in Florida as the start of my year.
“I am playing this week, next week’s Cadillac Championship but then maybe missing Bay Hill and will play the Valspar Championship the week after in Tampa.
“What I am finding is that I have this great problem of being able to play where I want given the exemptions in winning the HSBC Champions.
“So I find myself being spoilt for choice in many ways.
“But then the goal is to win every week you tee up and I do feel like coming back here to Florida for a first time this year, I am improving.
“As well, I will find this year I will be playing with some bigger names so I will have to also deal with that but then in saying that I am not uncomfortable. It’s just of what comes with winning these bigger tournaments.”
Joining Knox will be fellow Scot Martin Laird who finished T11th last week in L.A.
