Shanghai surprise? Perhaps to some but, deep down, Russell Knox knew he was ready to pull a spectacular triumph out of the bag at some stage. In China on Sunday, the Scotsman’s rise from the Hooters Tour on the third-tier of the American professional scene to a major player on the global stage was completed in shimmering style as he won the WGC HSBC Champions at Sheshan.
"Deep down in my bones I felt I was capable of winning a big one,” said the jubilant Invernesian, after staving off a world class field and winning by two shots from Kevin Kisner with a 20-under tally. “I thought it was going to be maybe another year. But I'm glad it happened now.”
In the biggest individual success for a Scottish male golfer since Paul Lawrie won the 1999 Open, Florida-based Knox will make the kind of giddy climb up the ladder that used to be the reserve of Fred Dibnah. He could barge into the world’s top 30 when the updated rankings get published on Monday, he will be Scotland’s leading player in the world, the four majors beckon next season and even the Ryder Cup is not out of the question. Knox is not a member of the European Tour and he can’t earn any qualifying points for the 2016 match until he takes up that membership. His Sunday success will give him a two-year exemption to the European circuit, should he decide to take it. All of a sudden there are plenty of things to ponder.
“Obviously it’s going to be a goal of mine to make the European Ryder Cup team,” Knox said. “I have no idea where I stand on making the team or what I need to do. But I look forward to finding out and giving it a run, that’s for sure.”
Eager enthusiasts of Knox’s progress down the years are well aware of the significant strides he has made. His amateur career was, by his own admission, fairly modest but he has thrived in the US since making the plunge into the professional ranks in 2007 after completing his studies at Jacksonville University.
He got himself battled hardened on the mini tours of America before making a telling move on the Nationwide circuit and earning promotion to the main PGA Tour for the 2012 season. Since then, his quiet confidence, sturdy resolve and considerable talent have helped him establish a firm foothold on the toughest tour in the world. He was beaten in a play-off to the Honda Classic in 2014, but it was another sign that Knox was more than comfortable in the lofty company he was keeping.
His nerveless closing round of 68 in China on Sunday was all the more impressive given the stature of the players that were in the pursuing pack. Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed, Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy were among those who couldn’t hunt the Scot down. It was terrific stuff and a timely tonic for Scottish golf. From the initial position of seventh reserve for the tournament, the Highlander seized the chance with both hands. He also grabbed the cheque for almost £840,000. That could buy a few rounds in the Nairn Dunbar clubhouse.
"It's incredible,” he said. “Winning any professional tournament is a massive accomplishment and you’re never quite sure if you’re ever going to do it because there are so many incredible players throughout the world, especially at tournaments like this with such an elite field. To come and be on top this week is a dream come true. Winning at 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. I was quite calm. But at the same time, that was the most nerve-wracking thing I have ever done. I still can't quite believe it.”
You’d better believe it now. Having plundered the prize and the plaudits, there was also some poignancy to the Knox conquest. Two years ago, his coach and mentor, Mike Flemming, passed away and the Scot had lost a hugely influential and inspiring figure. This was the ultimate tribute.
"I thought about him throughout the day to be honest,” said Knox. “I thought about him on the 18th when I had to tap in to win, and my eyes started tearing up. I owe him everything. He was my coach for eight years, and he passed away a couple of years ago. He's been my inspiration and he taught me everything I know. It finally paid off."
Having finally made his big breakthrough, opportunity will continue to come knocking for Knox.
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