Golf

Russell Knox on his success at the Mayakoba Golf Classic: 'I guess it's the tequila and tacos'


Russell Knox has a theory on why he’s historically played well at the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

“I guess it’s the tequila and tacos,” he cracked.

Knox torched the back nine at El Camaleon Golf Club, his first nine of the day, making five birdies in a six-hole stretch to shoot 6-under 65 on a blustery day with intermittent rain. A little liquid sunshine and a wee bit of wind never bothered the Scottish native and Knox took advantage.

“It’s so soft out here,” he said. “It’s the opposite of links golf.”

As for his success on the Greg Norman layout, Knox’s record speaks for itself: In 29 rounds at this event, he’s posted just two over-par scores, and he has made the cut in all seven of his previous starts at the Mayakoba Golf Classic, resulting in three top-10 finishes and a tie for second in 2016. It’s more than just the tough condition that played into Knox’s wheel house. El Camaleon is a ball-striker’s paradise, where accuracy typically trumps distance.

“It sets up well for me,” Knox said. “I mean, historically, my driving accuracy and iron play’s been my strength, so that’s kind of the key things that this course brings out in you.”

But the bread and butter of Knox’s game have let him down the past few years. He finished 2016 ranked at No. 18 in the world, but entered this week at No. 221. That fall off included missing 10 straights cuts last season and finishing No. 127 in the FedEx Cup standings to miss the Playoffs for the first time since 2013. But he’s recorded three top-15 finishes during the fall since the start of the new season and it’s boosted his confidence.

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“I’ve been playing great golf at home,” he said. “I know my game and my swing is progressing nicely, my putting is as good as it’s ever been. So, see how good I can get over four days. I mean, I know obviously if you’re going to be there at the end, you’ve got to keep your foot down, keep playing aggressive, free swings and that’s my main goal.”

Three golfers – Joaquin Niemann, Emiliano Grillo and Tom Hoge – are one stroke off the pace. Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz, who won the Vivint Houston Open last month, is among a logjam at 4-under 67 and shot the best score among the six Mexican players in the field.

“When I made like a 60-footer for eagle on 5, I knew it was going to be a pretty good day,” he said.

Defending champion Brendon Todd matched Ortiz with 4-under 67 as did Monday Qualifier Akshay Bhatia. Making his PGA Tour debut as a professional, 2019 U.S. Amateur champion Andy Ogletree is T-20 after a 2-under 69. Brendan Steele had the “shot of the day,” holing out his second shot from 235 yards at the par-5 13th for an albatross. He shot even-par 71, as did Brooks Koepka. With a forecast calling for rain, preferred lies was utilized during the first round. The forecast for the next three days isn’t expected to improve, which could make for a very soupy course and fear of the dreaded mud ball.

“Just kind of embrace it, I would say,” said Hoge of the upcoming forecast. “Not too many days are calm here on the beach. You kind of know what you’re in for.”



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