SHANGHAI (AP) – Russell Knox made an unexpected trip to Shanghai and left with a most surprising victory Sunday.
Knox became the first player to win a World Golf Championship in his debut when the 30-year-old from Scotland closed with a 4-under 68 for a two-shot victory in the HSBC Champions.
He only found out a week ago Friday that he was in the event as an alternate. After scrambling to get a Chinese visa, he had to hold off a world-class field for his first PGA Tour victory.
Li Haotong of China faded quickly but still managed to achieve one goal. He tied for seventh, the highest finish ever by a Chinese player in a PGA Tour event.
Jordan Spieth tied for seventh and moved back to No. 1 in the world.