Four-time Major winning Rory McIlroy has singled out Russell Knox for special praise.

Knox has jumped to World No. 29 on the back of his brilliant break through WGC – HSBC Champions event success and near second triumph in last Monday’s concluding Mayakoba Classic in Mexico.

McIlroy was first introduced to Knox at last year’s Honda Classic when the pair were involved in a four-man play-off but with American Russell Hendry winning at PGA National.

McIlroy said:  “Russell seems a really nice guy and a very solid player.

“His victory in Shanghai was very impressive and he had been knocking on the door for some time, so it didn’t come as a surprise.

Rory McIlroy and Marc Warren singing the praise of Russell Knox. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

“The great thing also about his win in Shanghai and going so close in Mexico is that it sets Russell up well for next year.

“I know he’s into the Masters for a first time so that’s one big bonus for him, and yes I was delighted for him.”

And Warren, a three-time winner in Europe, was just as delighted for his fellow Scot.

He said:  “I’ve met Russell and spoken to him a few times, and he’s shown the last few years in America he was getting  closer to that first victory.

“Then win a WGC event as your first win was incredible and then to follow it up by nearly winning again earlier this week was superb.

“I spoke to him last week when we were in Shanghai and he said he was going to Mexico and that he was really looking forward to the week, and that was before he won the HSBC Champions.

“So it’s great for Scottish golf and good also for him.”