Double PGA Tour winning Russell Knox has not only reignited his dream of making the European Ryder Cup dream but he’s delivered Darren Clarke a ‘wildcard’ ultimatum.
Victory in the Travelers Championship has seen the Scot jump 10 places to just 6.60 points behind England’s Matt Fitzpatrick who is currently the fifth ranked played among the top-five European qualifiers on the ‘World’ points list.
And after his WGC – HSBC Champions victory where Knox had not joined the Tour beforehand and thereby he earned nil Ryder Cup points, Knox reckons his second victory on the wraparound 2015/16 PGA schedule is deserving of a ‘wildcard’ pick and despite Knox still has the likelihood of two further qualifying events before the shut off date for automatic qualifying on August 21st.
Knox was asked about his chances of representing Europe straight after his victory in Connecticut.
Russell Knox insists European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke has to pick him after a second vicory on this year’s 2015/16 PGA Tour season. Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
“I thought about it on the last tee to be honest. I knew by winning this tournament, it’s put Darren Clarke in a very difficult position not to pick me,” he said.
“I think — but I mean, it’s his decision. If I don’t make the team, I can’t think I’m worthy of a pick. It’s his decision. He can pick whoever he wants, and that’s the luxury of it.
“If I make the top nine, then I deserve to be on the team. If I’m No. 10, he can quite happily pass on me, and that’s just the way it is.
“Yeah, I mean, if my points would have counted in Shanghai and that puts me on the team, pretty hard position for him not to pick me. If I would have made it, if I was a member.
“But like I said, I hope I’m on the team. I would love to be there. It would be a huge honor. Maybe — holing nice putts like that obviously helps”.
And when asked:
Q. Can we claim you eminent domain if they don’t take you?
RUSSELL KNOX: I am a U.S. citizen. My dad was born in California, so I have dual nationality. I’m not sure if there’s ever been someone in my position before. But no, I’m Scottish down to the core, so I’ll be on Team Europe hopefully.
