Russell Knox targets consecutive Scottish Open touring titles

A robust four under 66 for a under 199 years left him perfectly ready to pounce, just two shots behind Swedish leader Jens Dantorp and one behind a team that includes Rickie Fowler and Ryan Fox, the New Zealanders. Knox beat a play-off in Ireland seven days ago.

There was no Scottish Open Scottish winner since Colin Montgomerie in 1999. And even that victory comes with a warning. The event was not called Scottish Open then.

It was Standard Life Loch Lomond while the tournament went through a variety of facelifts usually reserved for aging celebrities. But do not bury us in the details. We will take a Scottish winner on Scottish soil whatever the event called.

While the leading group did not leave until 3:50 pm to adapt to the damn American television, the day was going to be long for everyone.

Responses were blowing in the wind over the east-sunny Lothian links. Or was it just some embarrassing questions? The change of direction of these bursts meant a completely different challenge that annoyed and tormented.

The first nine had been beaten by a blaze of birdies during the first two days, but it was another fish pot yesterday as the inner half became the place to harvest a rich crop.

On the 10th, for example, Fowler slammed a descent of 458 yards. He always missed the green with his little throw, notice. Fox showed what could be achieved, however, as he conjured three birdies and an eagle on his last six holes in a 63 to clear his way in order.

Knox, meanwhile, had taken a slow start with a seventh bogey but a good birdie putt on the next provided the catalyst for a fast forward. Between 11 and 16, he devoured four birdies while he was maneuvering himself in a threatening position.

"Gullane showed his teeth," admits Knox, assessing the challenge presented. "On the first hole the other day, I hit a 5-wood and a lob corner in the green.Today, it was a pilot and 6-iron."

Knox said that he "did not get off the race in Ireland", but during the first two days he admitted to being a victim of fumes. He had refueled at the pump when he stopped yesterday.

"I slept like a king for something like 11 o'clock and ate a hearty breakfast and lunch."

After finishing second in France the week before his victory in Ireland, Knox is playing his best golf. After a series of three failed clippings in four hardships in April and May, a search in the equipment archive for an old putter that he was using paid off.

"I used the same model during my tour start year in 2012 and obviously it stopped working," he said. "But he came back and I do not know what pushed me to do it but I came out at the Byron Nelson event [in May] and it turns out to be a good decision I've got a room filled with shit and she was back in the spider webs. "

Knox almost spoiled Rory McIlroy 's return to the Irish Open two years ago, while the Scots harassed him until the end.

He hopes the local galleries can strengthen his own assault here in Scotland.

"If it's me compared to someone who's not Scottish then I hope they'll attract me," Knox says.

In front of him, Dantorp mounted a late push to get out of the stalemate and take advantage by himself. The Swede increased the lead on the home straight and made his last three holes in a 68 to a total of 13 under the total.

Fox 63 was matched by Scott Hend of Australia while Matt Fitzpatrick shot a 64 to join the big battalion on the 12-under mark.

Justin Rose, winner of the Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen in 2014, is threatening and has only three out of 10 shots on goal, while Stephen Gallacher's 65 has hoisted him to nine sous and in the table.

It was a bad day for the overnight leader, Robert Rock, as his slant of the title was deviated from his trajectory.

The 41-year-old athlete had not lost a shot in 36 holes, but a bogey on the first set the tone for a devastating afternoon and he walked with a 76 to fall to # 39 to the 40th to seven sous.