TPC Boston, MA …
Russell Knox joked that he’s asked European Ryder Cup captain, Thomas Bjorn not to call the Scot ‘if it’s bad news’.
Knox let slip a blistering opening round 66 and a share of second to post a struggling day two 72 at the Dell Technologies Championship at TPC Boston.
It left Knox with a clubhouse share of 14th place and trailing seven shots behind American Webb Simpson who holed a 70-foot eagle at the last in a round of 63 to move to 11-under par and a shot clear of the England duo of Justin Rose (67) and Tyrrell Hatton (63) on 10-under/
Hatton continues to benefit with a putter Prestwick caddy, Mark Crane purchased last Saturday week while the duo was competing in New Jersey.
Hatton, who admitted his was embarrassed to visit a local ‘Golf Galaxy’ retain shot, then went out to shoot at final round 64 to now be 17-under for three rounds with the putter Crane grabbed.
He said: “Mark was in store buying it and I was on ‘What’s App’, a video, with him, because I was too embarrassed to go into the store to buy a putter.
“So, he made a good choice. But it’s just one of those things, it’s not obviously normal that this happens”.
Knox has recorded 27 putts in each Boston round it was his second shot play that hurt on day two managing to hit just half of the 18 greens.
He said: “I am just struggling putting 18 holes together as I have great stretches in my rounds but just then have a few brain farts.
“That is just holding me back. I birdied three and four to get to six-under and then hit close on five and then doubled the next and that was like a kick in the mouth.
“I am trying to draw on those memories of doing so well in France and winning in Ireland but when I have been in play off the tee this week, I have been deadly as my iron play, my wedges and my putting has been great but I haven’t put the ball in play enough.
“There are s times I feel great over the ball and there are other times I feel horrific so I am going to hit balls this afternoon to my hands bleed (smiling)”.
If Knox should pick-up ground over the remaining two rounds and secure what would be a third PGA Tour victory he could very well sway Bjorn’s decision to afford the Scot a pick when the Dane confirms his four picks at 2pm (UK time) Wednesday.
He said: “Thomas has the toughest decision than compared to Jim as there’s probably three definite picks and then a choice among a few others including myself and with one of us maybe changing Thomas’ mind.
“So, three of his picks are a walk-in.
“It is difficult for Thomas to consider someone like me as you could argue I’ve had all year to qualify and I didn’t quite do it, and now you can’t do anything about it other than just play.
“I’ve still got two days to help influence his decision and I do think I have to win.
“Hopefully, Thomas has my number but I don’t want him calling if it’s bad news (smiling)”.
