Inspired Knox has X factor in dramatic play-off

ie-bogey start to the back nine with a birdie at the 12th and another at the 15th, to join Fox and Spain’s Jorge Campillo in a tie for the lead.

Fox eventually edged ahead with a birdie at the 17th, but Knox would not go away and that sensational 40-footer on the last proved good enough for a play-off after Fox missed from inside 10 feet for outright victory.

The Kiwi tapped in for a 68 and had his heart broken just a few minutes later when he lipped out from around 12 feet to stay alive after Knox made his second miracle putt in a row.

“I thought my chances had slipped on 17 to be honest, failing to make birdie,” Knox said.

“I knew that my only chance was to birdie 18, and I just got it cutting on the wind into the rough and I thought,

‘oh, no, I’m going to be doomed over there’.

“But I was able to hit a good shot and get on the green, which I was thrilled with. Then I just blacked out to be honest. I stood over the putt. I read the putt and I was like, just don’t aim. Like, just react.

“I remember thinking as soon as I hit it, ‘oh, I’ve hit it a bit firm’, and it just started tracking and it dropped, unbelievable.

“That’s why you play golf, to hole a putt like that on the last hole. The adrenalin just comes out and it’s the best feeling in the world to be honest.”