IRELAND/UAE. Scotsman Russell Knox holed two outstanding putts to capture a thrilling Dubai Duty Free Irish Open title on Sunday. The tournament in Ballyliffin, County Donegal, attracted huge international interest and continues to be a strong profile-builder for Dubai Duty Free and Dubai as a destination.
Knox won a play-off with Ryan Fox on the first extra hole after sinking a 40-foot putt, having earlier holed a similar putt on the 18th hole in regulation play. Knox also sealed his place in the European Tour’s season-ending DP World Tour Championship.
“Congratulations to Russell on a first European Tour victory since 2015,” said Director European Tour International, Dubai Nick Tarratt. “He certainly is the man for the big occasion with his two European Tour wins coming at a World Golf Championship and a Rolex Series event and he will be hoping to continue that form heading into the 147th Open Championship. We wish him all the best and look forward to welcoming him to Jumeriah Golf Estates in November.”
As well as Dubai Duty Free’s title sponsorship, Dubai added further support in the shape of Emirates Airline, which will also support the European Tour at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open next week.
Knox said: “To make a putt like I did at the 18th is a dream come true. It’s so hard to win tournaments. The way I managed to do it, holing those two long putts, it was just my time. I’m just lucky to win one of these massive events, so thank you very much to Dubai Duty Free and Rolex.”
Spaniard Jorge Campillo finished one shot adrift, while defending Champion Jon Rahm (whose team including The Moodie Davitt Report’s Dermot Davitt won the Wednesday morning Pro-Am) and third round leader Erik Van Rooyen finished one further back as they shared fourth.
