Russell Knox on the door of the PGA Tour

Bananas: Russell Knox is within touching distance of a berth on the PGA Tour after victory in the Chiquita Classic

Nationwide Tour victory propels Scot into contention for PGA Tour spot

While Scotland’s leading professionals were being battered by the elements at Royal St George’s last week, an aspiring Scottish pro was prospering in rather different conditions on the opposite side of the Atlantic.

As the name would suggest, The Nationwide Tour’s Chiquita Classic was as far removed from the blustery links of Sandwich as could possibly be. With the temperature hovering around the 90-degree mark, there was no need for the waterproofs and mitts that were on display at Sandwich at TPC River’s Bend in Maineville, Ohio.

However, for 26-year-old Russell Knox from Inverness, the stage could prove to be the first step on the road back to the type of links on which the Scot honed his game.

A tremendous 25-under-par total gave the Nationwide Tour rookie his maiden victory, and propelled the Scot into contention for a step up to the PGA Tour.

“I knew this was possible,” said Knox on his success. “I’ve played well the last three years since turning pro.”

The former All-American student athlete was eager to emphasise that his win did not come overnight. Having played on the mini-circuits of the NGA and Hooters Tours in the previous two seasons, Knox took the bold decision to try and play his way onto the Nationwide Tour this year without full playing privileges.

That meant Monday qualifying for each and every event was a pre-requisite – that was until a tied-second place finish in the Fresh Express Classic in April vindicated Knox’s brave career choice and earned the former Jacksonville University student Special Temporary Member status for the remainder of the season.

“I’ve worked hard and dedicated my whole life to playing professional golf,” said Knox, who will be hoping to emulate another ex-pat Scot should he graduate to the big time.

Glaswegian Martin Laird has forged an enviable reputation stateside, winning twice on the PGA Tour so far, including the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational earlier this season as he climbed to a high of 21st in the world rankings.

The 25 leading money-winners for the 2011 Nationwide season automatically earn PGA Tour cards for 2013, and with an in-form Knox currently fifth on the money list, there’s now a good chance the number of Scots on America’s premier circuit may double next year.