Golf: Kiwi Ryan Fox beaten by Russel Knox in playoff at Irish Open

  • 09/07/2018

New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox has narrowly lost a play-off to Scotland's Russel Knox at the Irish Open in Ballyliffin.      

Knox holed from 40 feet for birdie across the 18th green in regulation to join Fox on 14 under par. The Kiwi then missed from eight feet for a birdie of his own to win the title.   

When the players returned to the 18th for a sudden-death playoff, the situation was repeated, Knox holing from almost exactly the same place for birdie, before Fox saw his close range attempt catch the edge of the hole and spin out.       

Knox hit a closing 66 and Fox a 68.

"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."      

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.

Russell Knox.
Russell Knox. Photo credit: Getty Images

"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."          

The Scot will move back into the world's top 50 as a result of a win, which boosts his hopes of a first Ryder Cup appearance in September.

Spain's Jorge Campillo finished a shot outside the playoff, after a brilliant final round of 65, with defending champion Jon Rahm another stroke back, following a remarkable 66 that 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.           

Finishing second wasn't all bad for Fox, as his second-place finish means he qualifies for The Open Championship later this month.

PA