Russell Knox: A Scottish first in Shanghai
Russell Knox from Inverness won the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament


Russell Knox became the first Scottish winner of a WGC event as he finished two strokes ahead of American Kevin Kisner in the HSBC Champions in Shanghai.
Russell Knox from Inverness shared the lead with Kevin Kisner through 54-holes of the WGC-HSBC Champions, but the Scot moved ahead in the final round with birdies on the 10th and 11th holes at Sheshan International. Another birdie at the 16th gave him a cushion and he was able to close out the victory and secure his first European Tour title.
"It's incredible. I always hoped it was going to happen but you're just never sure,” said the 30-year-old. “There's just so many unbelievable players on tours all around the world and to win at this stage is a dream come true. I still can't quite believe it.”
Kisner had to make do with second place on his own. It was a tough blow for the American who has been beaten in three playoffs on the PGA Tour in 2015.
5 Talking points from the WGC-HSBC Champions
1 – Victory in this event for Russell Knox is career-changing. He could move into the top-30 on the Official World Golf Ranking and will be exempt for both the PGA and European Tours and will play in The Masters. He is the first man to win a WGC event on his debut appearance since Jeff Maggert won the very first of them – the WGC Match Play of 1999. Just a few years ago, Knox was trying to make his way on the mini tours in the US and now he’s a World Golf Championship winner.
2 – Danny Willett produced a superb final round of 62 to climb into a tie for third place with Ross Fisher. The finish will greatly boost the Willett’s chances in the 2015 Race to Dubai as he continues his battle with Rory McIlroy at the top of the standings. It was a great week for Ross Fisher. After struggling for a spell towards the end of this season, he’s now up to 15th on the Race to Dubai.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
3 – Dustin Johnson had another disappointing final round. The big-hitting American put himself right in the mix with two birdies in his first three holes, but a double bogey 7 at the par-5 8th put paid to his chances. Although he bounced back with a couple of birdies on the run for home, he had to make do with a tie for fifth place with Branden Grace.
4 – Young Matthew Fitzpatrick continued his fine run of form. The 21-year-old won the British Masters last month and was tied third in Hong Kong. Finishing in a tie for 7th place in this event, he has moved up to 12th place on the Race to Dubai rankings. It’s been quite a debut season on the European Tour.
5 – Jordan Spieth held on to win the battle of the big guns against Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman suffered food poisoning early in the week but fought back well and closed with a 66 to reach 14-under-par. Spieth ended the week one better than that after a closing round of 70.
WGC-HSBC Champions Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China Nov 5-8 Purse: €8,000,000, par 72
1 Russell Knox (Sco) 67 65 68 68 268 2 Kevin Kisner (USA) 64 66 70 70 270 T3 Danny Willett (Eng) 65 74 70 62 271 T3 Ross Fisher (Eng) 69 69 65 68 271 T5 Branden Grace (RSA) 63 71 70 68 272 T5 Dustin Johnson (USA) 65 71 65 71 272 T7 Matthew Fitzpatrick (Eng) 68 69 69 67 273 T7 Patrick Reed (USA) 65 70 68 70 273 T7 Haotong Li (Chn) 66 69 66 72 273 T7 Jordan Spieth (USA) 68 72 63 70 273
Note: Player score in bold signifies Titleist ball usage
Fergus is Golf Monthly's resident expert on the history of the game and has written extensively on that subject. He has also worked with Golf Monthly to produce a podcast series. Called 18 Majors: The Golf History Show it offers new and in-depth perspectives on some of the most important moments in golf's long history. You can find all the details about it here.
He is a golf obsessive and 1-handicapper. Growing up in the North East of Scotland, golf runs through his veins and his passion for the sport was bolstered during his time at St Andrews university studying history. He went on to earn a post graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism. Fergus has worked for Golf Monthly since 2004 and has written two books on the game; "Great Golf Debates" together with Jezz Ellwood of Golf Monthly and the history section of "The Ultimate Golf Book" together with Neil Tappin , also of Golf Monthly.
Fergus once shanked a ball from just over Granny Clark's Wynd on the 18th of the Old Course that struck the St Andrews Golf Club and rebounded into the Valley of Sin, from where he saved par. Who says there's no golfing god?
-
10 Reasons Why Bobby Jones Was The Greatest Amateur Of All Time
The American left an incredible golfing legacy through his exploits on and off the course. Here are 10 reasons why he was the greatest ever amateur.
By Fergus Bisset Published
-
Finally! Rory McIlroy's New Nike Shoes Have Arrived And Here Is How You Can Get Them
After months of waiting, the latest Victory Tour shoes have gone on sale, and here I have detailed how you can get a pair.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Who Is Jacob Bridgeman's Fiancée?
Jacob Bridgeman is one of the rising stars of the PGA Tour, but who is his partner?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Who Is Luke Clanton's Caddie? Meet Jason Wiertel
Luke Clanton was one of the first graduates from the PGA Tour U Accelerated program and has been with his caddie since long before turning professional
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Takumi Kanaya Facts: 20 Things You Didn't Know About The Japanese Golfer
Find out more about Japanese professional golfer, Takumi Kanaya's life and career in the game so far via these facts...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Mac Meissner Facts: 16 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Get to know American professional golfer, Mac Meissner, with these facts about his life and career in the game so far...
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Kristoffer Ventura Facts: 16 Things You Didn't Know About The Norwegian Golfer
Discover more about professional golfer, Kristoffer Ventura via these facts about his life and career in the game so far...
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Greyson Sigg Facts: 17 Things You Didn't Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Get to know American professional golfer, Greyson Sigg with these facts about his life and career in the game so far...
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Who Is J.J. Spaun's Wife?
J.J Spaun has been married to wife Melody since 2019 - here's what we know about her
By Mike Hall Published
-
Who Is JJ Spaun's Caddie? Meet Mark Carens
Find out more about Massachusetts-born Mark Carens, who has enjoyed a highly-successful career to date and has been on the bag of JJ Spaun since April 2021
By Jonny Leighfield Published