Russell Knox leads PGA Tour event in Mexico

Russell Knox carded a six-under 65 at breezy and wet El Camaleon Golf Club in Mexico to set the first-round pace in the PGA Tour’s Mayakoba Golf Classic presented by UNIFIN.

Russell Knox in the first round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic at El Camaleón Golf Club in Mexico. Picture: Hector Vivas/Getty Images

The 35-year-old Scot, who lost in a play-off in this event in 2016, shot seven birdies, including five in a six-hole burst on his front nine, to sit a shot ahead of Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo and American Tom Hoge.

“Took me a few holes to kind of settle into my round, but when I did, I had six or seven very good holes,” said Knox, a two-time winner on the PGA Tour,

“I hit the ball well, drove it in the fairway, and with lift, clean and place, I could be fairly aggressive. Par was good today.”

The Florida-based player has been a regular in this event and added: “I guess it’s the tequila and tacos.

“Obviously, I love the course. It sets up well for me. 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.

“I always kind of want it to be a little windy. I feel like I can flight my ball well at times.

“But it’s so soft out here, it’s the opposite of like links golf. No, I’m thrilled with that and look forward to trying again tomorrow.”

In six starts this season, world No 221 Knox has had three top-16 finishes and three missed cuts.

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