Inverness-born Russell Knox has ranked this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open alongside his appearances in the Major Championships in terms of importance as he looks forward to making his competitive debut at Castle Stuart Golf Links.
For the first time this year, Knox will line up in each of the four Majors, but the 30 year old is as excited about teeing up in the Highlands as he was ahead of his maiden outing at Augusta National in April.
Indeed, Knox claims that victory at Castle Stuart – located just 12 miles from Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, where he learned to play the game – would represent the biggest victory of his career to date.
Taken in the context of his win in the WGC-HSBC Champions last year, that is some statement; but it is perhaps not altogether unsurprising given that Knox remains a fiercely proud Scot, despite having set up home in Florida.
Despite being pipped to the prize by the World Number Three, Knox thrived on the occasion and has called on Scotland’s golfing public to create a similar atmosphere from July 7-10.
He said: “Playing with Rory on the last day of the Irish Open, where he was obviously the heavy favourite with the crowd there, it really made me even more excited about playing in the Scottish Open.
“The Irish crowd were obviously pulling for Rory, but they were also very respectful of me. If I can get the same level of support at Castle Stuart that Rory had at the K Club, then I’ll love that. The Scottish crowd will be rooting for all the home players, but hopefully they’ll be cheering for me just that bit harder!”
Despite being pipped to the prize by the World Number Three, Knox thrived on the occasion and has called on Scotland’s golfing public to create a similar atmosphere from July 7-10.
He said: “Playing with Rory on the last day of the Irish Open, where he was obviously the heavy favourite with the crowd there, it really made me even more excited about playing in the Scottish Open.
“The Irish crowd were obviously pulling for Rory, but they were also very respectful of me. If I can get the same level of support at Castle Stuart that Rory had at the K Club, then I’ll love that. The Scottish crowd will be rooting for all the home players, but hopefully they’ll be cheering for me just that bit harder!”
Tickets to see Knox, World Number Six Henrik Stenson and five-time Major Champion Phil Mickelson in action are available through the official tournament websitehere
