Scotland's Russell Knox defeated Ryan Fox in a play-off to win the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in amazing fashion at Ballyliffin today.
Knox holed from 40 feet for birdie across the 18th green in regulation to join Fox on 14-under-par, the New Zealander then missing from eight feet for a birdie of his own to win the title.
'Over to you Ryan Fox.' Russell Knox completes his final round with a brilliant six-under 66 to finish on -14 for the tournament. #IrishOpen pic.twitter.com/F8Yu0ZEJHa
— RTEgolf (@RTEgolf) July 8, 2018
And when the players returned to the 18th for a sudden-death play-off the situation was repeated, Knox holing from almost exactly the same place for birdie before Fox saw his attempt from close range catch the edge of the hole and spin out.
Here's the shot that secured the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for Russell Knox with Ryan Fox failing to putt shortly after. #IrishOpen pic.twitter.com/7vAc1UFWWI
— RTEgolf (@RTEgolf) July 8, 2018
Scotland's Russell Knox wins the 2018 Irish Open after a sudden playoff win over New Zealander Ryan Fox pic.twitter.com/vBNT2BGb8C
— RTEgolf (@RTEgolf) July 8, 2018
"It's tough to describe how amazing this feels," Knox said at the presentation ceremony. "Unbelievable. I can't believe I'm holding this (trophy).
"After I made eagle on the fourth I knew I was in it. The putts have been going in the last couple of weeks, I had a great feeling on the greens and I just kept going."
Russell Knox on winning the 2018 Irish Open - "It's tough to describe how amazing this feels" pic.twitter.com/BM1iwnkQdP
— RTEgolf (@RTEgolf) July 8, 2018
Speaking about the two putts on the 18th, Knox added: "It's why I play golf, all the practice, all the misses, all the bad moments are taken care of with putts like that.
"Making two of them from an almost identical position is obviously a bit of a bonus. I'm so happy. I said (on the play-off hole) we've already made this putt, it can't be too difficult. I feel bad for Ryan but I guess it was my time."
Spain's Jorge Campillo finished a shot outside the play-off after a brilliant final round of 65, with defending champion Jon Rahm another stroke back following a remarkable 66 which included a triple-bogey seven on the second and five birdies in the last six holes.
South Africa's Erik van Rooyen began the day with a four-shot lead but struggled to a 74 to finish alongside Rahm on 12 under. Tournament host Rory McIlroy carded a closing 71 to finish two under par overall.
