Player Blog: Russell Knox

Invernessian Russell Knox pens this week's Player Blog as the Florida-based Scotsman writes about the big return home, bacon, his football career, reuniting with friends, Ryder Cup meals and more...

It’s finally here. The Scottish Open in Inverness.I've been looking forward to this for a long time, probably four or five years to be honest! Obviously growing up nearby and learning how to play in this area, it means a lot to me. To be back as a pro, and playing in my home Open, it’s going to be special. 

One of the best things about coming home is the bacon. Bacon is big. It’s not the same in America so coming home and having that first bacon sandwich is always good. I’ve hadn’t had one yet but I’ll definitely be getting some bacon in while I’m back.

I get a lot jokes about my accent over in the States. Obviously it’s pretty Scottish but has developed a slight twang in recent years. Americans don’t quite understand the accent that well, so I’ve changed slightly for that reason. Saying that, a few days back in Scotland should harden it up a bit!

This will be my third Scottish Open and it’s always fun coming back and playing links golf again. Links courses play so different day to day. It’s never the same weather for four days. It’s never the same weather for four holes! You might be able to drive a hole one day, then it’s driver, four iron the following day. The greens are massive so the difference in club choice is huge. I prefer that style of golf, it adds another level of challenge. I like the challenge but a lot of people find it hard to adjust to. I think that’s why I tend to play pretty well on links courses.

Last time I was over was for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which was pretty special. It was my first time in Ireland and I shot 75 on Thursday then ended up with a one shot lead on the 16th tee on Sunday. I was playing with Rory McIlroy and Danny Willett and if it wasn’t for two of the greatest shots I’ve ever seen, I probably would have won. I think Rory knew that and it’s what made that shot on the 16th so amazing.

To play with a four-time Major winner and the Masters champion in the final group, that’s what it’s all about.We chatted quite a bit on the way around. Mostly about the strange weather or football but Rory made a point to thank me for coming to the tournament, which I thought was really nice. Obviously he was hosting that week as well and it was a big week for him but he was really gracious in victory. He’s a top bloke.

I’d actually had dinner with Rory a couple of weeks before that.Darren Clarke asked a few potential Ryder Cup rookies out for dinner and Rory came along too. It was kind of a pep talk, Darren told us some stories of his experiences at the Ryder Cup and Rory told us some of his. It was really inspiring. I remember Darren showed us a picture of what the team bags will look like and he just said “imagine your name being on that bag”. I thought that was pretty cool and I’ve thought about that a lot since then.

Obviously the Ryder Cup is a possibility this year after I took up European Tour membershipand it’s been a lot of fun mixing up my schedule. It’s been easier than I thought. I think the new rules Keith Pelley put into place have made it much easier, which has been great. I played in South Africa and Abu Dhabi earlier in the year, which was a lot of fun, and then Ireland and Wentworth more recently. Depending how the next two weeks go, I’m hoping my Race to Dubai ranking will be pretty good and I might have to look at my schedule for later in the year too. It’s all good fun and I’m enjoying the chance to travel and play some pretty cool courses.

Talking of cool courses, my dad is actually playing a course nearby this week. He is about a nine handicap and headed over three days ago to play in the Inverness Four Day Open. We don’t get to play together as much as we used to but he loves his golf and still plays a lot. It would pretty cool if we both did well this week.

Another perk of being back home is being around friends. My wife and I are actually staying with one of my childhood friends this week. It’s always nice to stay in house with people you know rather than being in a hotel. Homecooked meals, plenty of chats and company and it makes it easier to switch off when you get back from the course. I guess it’s another perk of playing where I grew up.

I actually used to play for the local football team here, Inverness Caley Thistle. Just the youth team, under 16s, but it was a lot fun. I used to love football and was probably better at it than I was at golf for a long time. I think that’s changed a little since then and I’m quite happy to be here, playing Castle Stuart, rather than trying to make it a footballer.