Knox raring to go as Zurich Ryder Cup audition approaches

Inverness golfer Russell Knox hopes a strong showing in this week’s Zurich Classic will attract the eye of European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn. For the first time in 36 years, a team format is being used in a regular PGA Tour event with 160 players forming 80 two-man teams at the TPC Louisiana course in New Orleans. They will play alternate shots today and Saturday with the best ball format used tomorrow and Sunday. Knox has teamed up with long-time American colleague Kevin Streelman and like Knox, a two-time winner on the Tour. With the qualifying process for the 2018 European Ryder Cup team getting under way later this year, Knox hopes to impress in the £5.6million event. Knox said: “I think the Ryder Cup captain may be casting an eye over what goes on this week, but then maybe I should have chosen a fellow European player. “I am sure it is important for any team captain to see how you get along with any partner. “So if some of the Europeans play really well I am sure it may get Thomas’ attention. “Until the World Cup last year I can’t remember the last time I had played in a team competition. “That’s another reason I am looking forward to this week as it means I will have another event under my belt and more team experience.” “Also, I had a good finish in my last event at Hilton Head, where I tied 11th. “I have been practising hard at Pablo Creek Golf Club in Florida, where I am a member, and really delighted with the work I undertook.” Knox’s team-mate, the 38-year-old Streelman, is in decent form having made the cut in his last four PGA Tour events. He said: “Russell and I are very excited and he has been a good friend since before he got on tour. “We are very close friends and I kind of mentored Russell when he first came out on tour. The good thing is our games match each other very well and I think we can do very well this week.”