• Scot ties for second at Harbour Town Golf Links
• Climbs to 29th on OWGR and third on FedEx Cup
• Grace wins for first time on the PGA Tour
RUSSELL KNOX
Russell Knox declared himself ‘thrilled’ with his performance after finishing in a tie for second at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links.
The 30-year-old Florida-based Scot shot a final round 67 to finish on seven-under-par, two shots behind first-time PGA Tour winner Branden Grace.
Knox’ impressive week’s work earned him a cheque for $519,200, hoisted him to third on the FedEx Cup standings and lifted him from 40th to 29th on the world rankings.
Four birdies in a flawless front nine of 32 moved the Scot into contention for his second tour title before a bogey at the 12th derailed his challenge. He picked up another shot at the 16th but, by then, Grace had his nose in front. The South African could even afford a bogey at the last as he sealed his first win in the US.
“Practice actually works,” said Knox afterwards. “I think I'm going to have to dedicate myself to do it more often.
"I knew I had the potential to shoot a good round" - Russell Knox
“I played a great round of golf. I made one bogey and five birdies. These greens the last couple of holes are so firm that it's almost impossible to hit it close. I’m thrilled with that.”
Knox rebounded well from a disappointing Masters debut, where he posted rounds of 79 and 73 to miss the cut in the season’s first major.
“I knew I had the potential to shoot a good round,” added the WGC-HSBC Champions winner. “I golfed a great start, the front nine. I knew the back nine was going to play tough and shooting even-par on the back nine was a great score.”
Knox’ next appearance is likely to come at the The Players Championship. “It will be nice to put my feet up on the couch,” he added.
Russell Knox :: The world’s top Scot
After another impressive performance on the PGA Tour, Russell Knox has consolidated his position as the leading Scot on the world rankings. He is 29th, with Marc Warren, ranked 108th, his next closest challenger.