Russell Knox: ‘I don’t care what they think’

Russell Knox has said he ‘doesn’t really care what people think’ about his decision to select Duncan Stewart for this week’s World Cup of Golf.

The world No.19 has sparked some discontent within Scottish circles for selecting world No.315 and ‘best friend’ Stewart, overlooking the higher-ranked Martin Laird (142nd), Richie Ramsay (211th) and Marc Warren (213th) in the process.

“He has earned his right to be here” – Russell Knox

But, speaking in his pre-tournament press conference, Knox believes Stewart – who has earned his European Tour card for the 2017 season by finishing tenth in the Challenge Tour’s Road to Oman – has every right to be alongside him at Kingston Heath.

Read more -> Russell Knox’ World Cup pick questioned

“I definitely didn’t pick him because he’s my best friend,” said Knox. “Obviously he is, but he has earned his right to be here.

“He’s had an unbelievable year. He’s earned his way onto the European Tour through the Challenge Tour, he won a tournament.

“I don’t really care what other people think” – Russell Knox

“Other than myself and probably Colin Montgomerie, he’s the only other Scot to have won a tournament, which is massive.

Read more -> Duncan Stewart ‘laughed’ at Knox pick suggestion

“I mean, if people complain about the format of the pick, I could pick anyone in the top 500 in the world and I did. I don’t really care what other people think.”

The Scots are off in the final group of the day on Thursday afternoon, teeing it up alongside Irish duo Graeme McDowell and Shane Lowry at 12.50pm.

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Russell Knox’ selection of Duncan Stewart

What do you make of Russell Knox’ selection of Duncan Stewart for the World Cup of Golf? Is it fair? Or should the place have been offered to a higher ranked Scot? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.