Inverness golfer Russell Knox is determined not to be distracted by the incentive of a Ryder Cup place in September.
Knox is in tremendous form ahead of this week’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at Gullane, winning last week’s Irish Open just a week after finishing second in the Open de France.
The 33-year-old knows his recent performances have put him right into contention for a place in Thomas Bjorn’s European side for this year’s tournament at Le Golf National, however Knox remains focused on the task at hand.
Knox said: “Of course it is a goal. But it’s a reward to make The Ryder Cup Team.
“My goal is to try and win this week, try to win The Open, try to win every event I’m playing in, and then The Ryder Cup is ultimately a reward of good play.
“I think last time, it all happened kind of late. But if you set the goal to be The Ryder Cup, you lose focus of what’s right in front of you. I think that’s where I’m at right now.
“Two weeks ago, it was miles away. Now, it’s not miles away, and I know I’m trending in the right direction. I’ve still got these massive events to go beforehand, so it’s going to be a reward of what happens from now till then if I’m good enough.”
Knox narrowly missed out on Darren Clarke’s European selection for the last Ryder Cup at Hazeltine in 2016, however the Florida-based Scot remains philosophical about the setback.
He added: “Things happen for a reason. Maybe it was the best thing that ever happened to me not making the team in 2016. I know I’m way better prepared now. I’ve been through great moments, been through bad moments. I’m more prepared now than I ever have been. My game is at a level which it never has been, so that’s good.
“Either way I’m ready to rumble. But like I said, it’s now until then that matters. I’m going to have to contend.”
