NERVELESS KNOX PUTS FOX ON ROCKS
RUSSELL KNOX snatched a dramatic Irish Open play-off victory thanks to two monster putts on the 18th green.
The Scotsman trailed Ryan Fox by a shot in the £5.3million event at Ballyliffin.
But after Knox sank a 40-feet effort on the final hole to join Fox on 14-under par, the New Zealander missed from eight feet with a putt that would have won the tournament.
And when the players returned to the 18th for a sudden-death play-off the situation was repeated, Knox holing from almost exactly the same place for birdie before Fox (below) saw his attempt from close range catch the edge of the hole and spin out.
“It’s tough to describe how amazing this feels,” Knox said. “I can’t believe I’m holding this trophy.
“After I made eagle on the fourth I knew I was in it. The putts have been going in the last couple of weeks. I had a great feeling on the greens and I just kept going.”
Speaking about the two putts on the 18th, Knox added: “It’s why I play golf, all the practice, all the misses, all the bad moments are taken care of with putts like that.
“Making two of them from an almost identical position is obviously a bit of a bonus. I knew I’d already done it once so it couldn’t be too difficult. I’m so happy.
“I feel bad for Ryan but I guess it was my time.”
Spain’s Jorge Campillo finished a shot outside the play-off after a final round of 65, with defending champion Jon Rahm another stroke back following a remarkable 66, which included a triple-bogey seven on the second and five birdies in the last six holes.
South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen began the day with a four-shot lead but struggled to a 74 to finish alongside Rahm on 12 under. Tournament host Rory McIlroy carded a closing 71 to finish two under par overall.