by Bernie McGuire.
Scotland’s Russell Knox has finally captured a first main Tour career victory with a brilliant success in the WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.
The Florida-based Knox first had to play the last hole of his third round that he birdied before then producing a closing score of 68 to win by two shots with a 20-under par total on the Sheshan course.
American Kevin Kisner, who officially shared the third round with Knox, finished runner-up with a 70 for an 18-under par tally.
At last! Scotland’s Russell Knox has a first main tour win of his professional career. (Photo – European Tour)
England’s Danny Willett stormed his way to third in stunning fashion early in the day, posting ten birdies in an unblemished 62 which proved to be the round of the week and moved him closer to Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy.
Knox becomes the first Scotsman to win a WGC event and he held his nerve on the back nine, opening a two shot lead with birdies on the tenth and 11th before a sixth birdie of the day on the 16th calmed any nerves.
“I always kind of thought I was going to win a big one for some reason as my first one. I’ve been close a few times before but this is going to take a long time to sink in”- Russell Knox
“It’s incredible. I always hoped it was going to happen but you’re just never sure. There’s just so many unbelievable players on tours all around the world and to win at this stage is a dream come true. I still can’t quite believe it.
“Deep down in my bones I felt I was capable of winning. I thought it was going to be maybe another year. But I’m glad it happened now.
The excitement as Russell Knox wins the WGC- HSBC Champions.Picture: Golffile | Fran Caffrey
“Winning any level is the hardest thing you can do, and especially because I’ve never won a big one like this. It was tough but I just kept holing putts, and golf is so much easier when that happens.”
For Kisner, it was another second-placed finish for the man who has been beaten in three play-offs on the US PGA Tour in 2015.
England’s Ross Fisher was alongside Willett at 17 under after a closing 68 with Branden Grace and Dustin Johnson a further shot back.
Matthew Fitzpatrick, local favourite Li Haotong, Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth, who returned to World Number One, were then at 15 under, with McIlroy in the group of six players another shot behind.
Knox was the first man out on the course as he returned to complete his third round on the 18th and he made a birdie to join Kisner at 16 under.
