Palm Beach Gardens, Florida ….
Russell Knox has welcomed the start of the ‘Florida Swing’ in boosting his bid to earn a Masters invitation.
Scotland’s top-ranked Knox tees-up in this week’s Honda Classic and the first of all three events Sunshine States events on the ‘Swing’.
Knox is currently ranked 89th in the world having dropped four spots from last week by not contesting the Genesis Open and the closing event of the five-tournament ‘West Coast Swing’.
Russell Knox warming to the start of the 2018 ‘Florida Swing’ (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Of course, the Jackonsville-based Knox needs to be inside the top-50 in the last week of March to be assured of returning to Augusta National for a third straight year.
“The thing is, and what is different to last year, is that I am defending World Ranking points so if I don’t play a tournament like last week I am dropping points on the rankings,” he said.
“The good is that I am playing all three events on the Florida Swing starting here at the Honda Classic this week and then the Valspar in Tampa the week after next following by the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando.
“The three will be big World Ranking events, so I am looking forward to doing well and with the Masters still my big goal.”
Knox tees-up this week at PGA National with fond memories of going so close to victory three years ago in losing out in a play-off.
“I just love coming here to PGA National as it’s been a good tournament for me what with going so close in 2015,” he said.
“It also seems to be windy here and I guess growing up in Scotland, I like those conditions while you have to drive the ball well here while your iron-play has to be spot-on.
“You just can’t fake it around here and the guy who wins this tournament has probably striped it all week.
“I enjoyed my West Coast Swing and I was very happy with my performances and while I didn’t quite finish tournaments off, I did play beautifully at Pebble.
“So, I was happy and I saw some very positive signs that I am encouraged about, so I am really enjoying my golf again.
“I’m not into next week’s WGC – Mexico Championship and I would probably have to win the Honda to qualify and while a lot of guys have pulled out, I would go if I qualified as I enjoy Mexico.
“So, I’ve got a good run in these next few weeks and I need to concentrate fully in the events I am in and not worry about events like Mexico or the Match-Play that I am not it.
“But then like I said, Augusta is the ultimate goal and I know the way I am playing I am going to have an amazing chance.
“The big thing is that when the chance does come can I grab it.”
Knox will tee-up on day one of the $US 6.6m event at 12.5pm local time in the company the American duo of Brian Gay and Charles Howell 111.
