November 9, 2015 – The Srixon / Cleveland Golf staff player Russell Knox claimed his first European Tour title on a dramatic final day of the World Golf Championships – HSBC Champions, in Shanghai (China). This is his first Tour victory in just his eighth European Tour event.

Russell Knox came into the final round in a share of the lead and a closing 68 around Sheshan International Golf Club took him to 20 under and handed him a two shot victory over Kevin Kisner, and three over Danny Willett, Ross Fisher and Branden Grace.

Knox is the first Scotsman to win a WGC event, becaming the first debutant to win a WGC event since Jeff Maggert in 1999.

“It’s incredible. I always hoped it was going to happen but you’re just never sure. There’s just so many unbelievable players on tours all around the world and to win at this stage is a dream come true. I still can’t quite believe it.”

“Deep down in my bones I felt I was capable of winning. I thought it was going to be maybe another year. But I’m glad it happened now”, said Russell Knox.

“Winning any level is the hardest thing you can do, and especially because I’ve never won a big one like this. It was tough but I just kept holing putts, and golf is so much easier when that happens.”

Russell Knox led the field in birdies (25) and ranked T3 in greens in regulation (84.72%) using Srixon Z 545 (5) and Srixon Z 745 (6-9) irons.

The Z 545 irons are forged from 1020 carbon steel and has a SUP10 steel face that’s approximately 10% stronger than 17-4 stainless steel and 455 carpenter steel, with similar density. By adding SUP10 instead of going with carbon or stainless steel, designers were able to thin the face out considerably to increase the sweet spot and boost the COR for faster ball speeds.

The better player Z 745 model features a compact shape, thin top line and is forged from 1020 carbon steel with a redesigned Tour V.T. sole that improves turf interaction. The face of the iron also has double laser milling to increase friction between the ball and face.

What’s in Russell Knox golf bag?

• Ball: Srixon Z STAR
• Driver: Cleveland Classic XL Custom (9º, Aldila Tour Blue 65TX)
• Fairway woods: Titleist 915F (15º, Aldila Tour Blue 85TX); Cleveland Launcher FL (19º, Miyazaki Kusala Black 83X)
• Hybrids: Cleveland Launcher DST (20.5º, Aldila VS Proto Hybrid 95X); Cleveland Mashie (23º, Aldila VS Proto Hybrid 95X)
• Irons: Srixon Z 545 (5), Srixon Z 745 (6-9, all True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100)
• Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 (46º, 54º, 60º, True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100)
• Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Proto R&D Concept 2
• Footwear: Nike Golf