Russell Knox wins Irish Open in playoff

Scotland's Russell Knox has won the 2018 Irish Open courtesy of a playoff victory over New Zealand's Ryan Fox.

Knox birdied the final hole to force a playoff and then produced a brilliant long putt to also birdie the playoff hole, while Fox could only manage par.

© Reuters

The Scot shot a six-under final round - including an eagle on the fourth - to end on 14-under for the tournament, one clear of Jorge Campillo, who surged into contention with the day's best round of seven-under.

Defending champion Jon Rahm also shot six-under to finish tied in fourth with overnight leader Erik van Rooyen, who surrendered a four-shot lead courtesy of a costly final round of two-over.

Rory McIlroy finished 12 shots off the pace, while the likes of Danny Willett and Lee Westwood also failed to launch a convincing bid for the trophy.

IRISH OPEN LEADERBOARD

1. Russel Knox (-14) 2. Ryan Fox (-14) 3. Jorge Campillo (-13) 4. Jon Rahm (-12) =. Erik van Rooyen (-12)