Russell Knox celebrated in Shanghai, China on Sunday (8 November) after shooting a final round of four-under-par 68 to win the WGC-HSBC Champions event on his World Golf Championships debut, the Scot finishing two shots clear of Kevin Kisner at the Sheshan International Golf Club.
The 30-year-old used some supreme wedge play to offset two bogeys with six birdies on his way to a 20-under 268 total to become the first Scot to win a WGC event and also the first debutant to claim victory since Jeff Maggert in 1999.
Its incredible. I always hoped that it would happen, but you are just never sure because I mean there are so many unbelievable players around the world and to win at this stage is a dream come true. I still cant believe it, Knox said after recording his maiden US PGA and European Tour triumph.
I always knew it was going to come to be honest, deep down in my bones I felt capable of winning. I thought that maybe it would be another year, but I am glad it happened now, added the Florida-based Scot.
Knox started the day playing the final hole from his third round, delayed because of fading light. He birdied the hole, becoming joint leader with American Kevin Kisner going into the final round, and said that the birdie has settled his nerves at the start of Sunday (8 November). However, he said that the stress of being leader told at the end of his round.
I was terrified, he said with a grin. I mean winning at any level is the hardest thing you could do, especially because I have 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.
World number three Rory McIlroy, who struggled with food poisoning at the start of the week, ended his tournament with a round of 66, finishing just outside the top 10 on 14-under. Afterwards, the Northern Irishman said he could have done better, and plans to do so at the final tournament of the season in Dubai.
If I could take back that second round where I shot even par, even something in the red numbers, that could have made a difference, he said. But I felt I played well enough this week, I just didnt hole enough putts, and that has sort of been the story of my season. At least for the last couple of months anyway, but it is getting better. I feel that every tournament I play I am getting better and hopefully I can continue that trend and go into Dubai and play well again, said McIlroy.
