Inverness golfer Russell Knox will not dwell on the past when he tees it up in this week’s Honda Classic on the PGA Tour.
12 months ago Knox brilliantly worked his way into a three-man play-off, but, along with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, lost out to American Russell Hendley at the first extra hole.
It remains Knox’s best finish in 70 PGA Tour events and he said: “It’s nice to come back to the Honda as I have fond memories from last year’s event, I went so close which was nice.
“I am cautious and will not put too much pressure on myself. Even though I had a great tournament here last year, that doesn’t count for anything this week.
“That said, it’s always nice coming back to a course where I have played well on.
“It was the first time I was in that situation and I felt like I handled it as well as I could. The next time I am in there with a chance of winning I feel as though I will be able to handle it better.”
Knox is contesting his 10th event of the 2014-15 PGA Tour wraparound schedule with his best finish being third last October in the Shiners Hospital for Children Open.
Joining Knox this week is fellow Scot Stephen Gallacher who has been afforded an invitation into the event ahead of teeing-up next week in the WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral.
Gallacher also has had a break from the game including spending a week with his family in Aviemore ahead of his appearance at PGA National.
“It’s just amazing to be standing on the range and see so many people here,” he said.
“To have received an invitation to compete is just fantastic, and apart from Henrik Stenson, the whole 2014 European Ryder Cup team is present.
“It’s also nice to get back into competition as I’ve had three weeks at home including a week up in Aviemore with the family which was great.”