Russell Knox goes extra miles as Irish eyes turn to Carnoustie

Scotland’s Russell Knox emerged victorious from an exciting conclusion to the sun-soaked Dubai Duty Free Irish Open as a disappointed home contingent was already turning their thoughts to Carnoustie and next week’s bid for the Open Championship.

Knox sank two stunning 40-feet putts at the 18th yesterday, the first to claim the clubhouse lead from Jorge Campillo of Spain late in the final round. Then he repeated the feat after New Zealander Ryan Fox had joined him on 14 under par to force a play-off on the same hole. As he had managed in regulation on the 72nd hole, Knox rolled in the distance putt to pile the pressure on Fox, whose own effort lipped out to hand the Scot victory and a winner’s cheque for €998,425. He did it in front of a delighted gallery in a crowd of 27,055 that took total attendance for the week to 94,239.