Russell Knox admits he is “over the moon” after beating the biggest names in golf to win the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.
The 30-year-old was making his debut in a WGC event after only finding out less than 10 days ago that he was in the tournament, following the withdrawal of J.B. Holmes.
Despite his late call-up, the Scot was able to deliver the goods and closed with a four-under par 68 for a two-shot victory at Sheshan International Golf Club. In doing so, he became the first player to win a WGC title on his debut and also the first player from Scotland to win a WGC event.
In the end Knox finished two shots clear of Kevin Kisner, with Ross Fisher and Danny Willett another stroke further back.
Knox made a strong start to his final day. After not finishing the 18th on Saturday due to bad light he birdied his last hole of round three before hitting birdies at the second and third holes in his final round. After dropping one at four he got it back at six before suffering another bogey at the ninth hole.
However, after fighting back with birdies at both 10 and 11 he hit another at 16 to preserve a two-stroke advantage and then closed with par to secure a huge triumph and easily the biggest payday of his career.
Speaking afterwards, he said: “I always thought I was going to win a big one for my first one. This is going to take a long time to sink in.”
He added: “This is now my favourite tournament. I look forward to playing it for many years to come.”
Jordan Spieth tied for seventh at Sheshan International Golf Club and that allowed the 22-year-old to return to number one in the world.
Spieth is 7.50 along with Rory McIlroy to win the US Masters 2016.
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