A First-Time Winner and New Number One (Kind Of)

Considering just ten days ago Russell Knox wasn’t even invited to the HSBC Champions Tournament in Shanghai, China, it was no wonder he closed his eyes and raised his arms to the sky in almost disbelief after winning the tournament for his first ever PGA TOUR win.

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“To come and be on top this week is a dream come true,” said Knox, “I still can’t quite believe I’m here.”

The amazing story of going from seventh reserve to HSBC Champ began when J.B. Holmes withdrew from the tournament, giving Knox the chance to enter the event.  The first hurdle was obtaining a visa to even get into China to play.

Enter Russell’s wife, Andrea.

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While Knox was busy playing in the CIMB Classic, Andrea was frantically filling out the required forms and arranging a meeting with the Chinese consulate in Kuala Lampur to receive the visa into the country.

Once he was allowed into the country, the 30-year-old Scot made the most of his opportunity. In just his 93rd tournament on the PGA TOUR, Knox broke out of a five-way tie on Sunday and rolled through his back nine, shooting a four-under 68 to win by two strokes.

“I always thought I was going to win a big one for my first one,” he said.  “But this is going to take a long time to sink in.”

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Knox naturally gave his wife credit for helping him win for the first time in his career.  But, he also offered an emotional sentiment to his coach for eight years, Mike Flemming.  Flemming passed away two years ago due to lung failure.

“I thought about him throughout the day,” Knox admitted.  “I thought about him on the 18th when I had to tap-in to win and my eyes started tearing up.  I owe him everything.  He has been my inspiration and he taught me everything I know.  It finally paid off.”

Not only does Knox now get the title of first to ever win a World Golf Championship in his debut, the win also comes with some pretty great rewards.  Knox earns $1.4 million with the win and will get to play at Augusta in April.  It will also put him in the Top 30 of the Golf World Rankings.

Speaking of the Golf World Rankings, it now has a new name atop the list, although you may recognize the name.

Spoiler: It’s Jordan Spieth

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Speith once again moved ahead of Jason Day, who sat out the HSBC tournament in order to be present for the birth of his second child.

“[Getting back to No. 1] was certainly a goal coming into this week,” Spieth said after his round.  “When that No. 1 ranking slips away, it leaves some unrest in you and you really want to get back at it.”

The Masters and U.S. Open Champion made a charge towards the leader board on Saturday with an impressive nine-under par 63, but couldn’t continue that momentum on a soggy Sunday.  He ultimately finished the tournament tied for seventh place at 15-under-par.

Cover Photo via YouTube