HSBC Champions 2015: Final Leaderboard Scores, Prize Money Payouts
Russell Knox produced the best golf of his life to win the 2015 HSBC Champions on Sunday, edging ahead of the field to capture the winner's cheque with a four-under-par 68.
The Scotsman's total of 20 under par for the tournament left him clear of second-place Kevin Kisner by two shots, clinching a prize of $1.4 million, according to GolfAndCourse.com.
Saturday's leader Kisner faltered on the final day, shooting two under to finish as runner-up.
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Rory McIlroy ended strongly after a difficult few days with the putter, completing the final round with a six-under 66, finishing on 14 under for the competition. The Northern Irishman tied for 11th spot.
Jordan Spieth posted a disappointing two-under on Sunday after a wonderful third-round recovery and ended tied for seventh.
Here is the leaderboard after the final round at the Sheshan Golf Club:
| 1 | Russell Knox | -20 | 68 |
| 2 | Kevin Kisner | -18 | 70 |
| T3 | Danny Willett | -17 | 62 |
| T3 | Ross Fisher | -17 | 68 |
| T5 | Branden Grace | -16 | 68 |
| T5 | Dustin Johnson | -16 | 71 |
| T7 | Matthew Fitzpatrick | -15 | 67 |
| T7 | Patrick Reed | -15 | 70 |
| T7 | Haotong Li | -15 | 72 |
| T7 | Jordan Spieth | -15 | 70 |
For the full leaderboard check out the European Tour website.
Final-Round Recap
On a course that favours big hitters, Knox bucked the trend as he exhibited some superb iron play to finish on top of the pile.
The Scot had stayed with the leaders throughout the majority of the tournament, but Knox's putting ripped the field to shreds as he won his first competition on the world stage.
The world No. 85 had been a late addition to the tournament after his wife arranged his place in China, becoming his temporary caddie, per BBC Sport:
"My wife was a superstar and she filled out all the forms for us.
While we were playing on Friday she took all the stuff to the Chinese embassy in Kuala Lumpur and had it processed.
We flew here on Tuesday morning but my caddie didn't have proof of accommodation so he was a day behind us. So when we got here my wife caddied for me.
"
Knox lay second after Saturday's third round, one shot shy of Kisner, who had shown incredible consistency on the greens.
However, as the Scot maintained his best form through the final round, the American stumbled, carding a round of 70 to end his charge.
Knox hit three birdies on the front nine, but bogeys on the fourth and ninth holes tapered his challenge.
However, three further birdies on the back nine were enough for him to stay ahead of the chasing pack, giving him the trophy by two shots.
The European Tour shared Knox's finest moment of his career:
Knox found 14 greens in regulation on Sunday, according to the European Tour's stats, making putting easy after stunning approach play. This was the key factor in his victory, as his consistency got him over the line against much bigger names.
The Scot, who is based in the United States, was delighted after the win, speaking of how difficult it is to be victorious on the sport's biggest stages, per the European Tour:
"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.
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.
"
McIlroy will be satisfied with his final two rounds at Sheshan. The Northern Irishman had struggled with his putting throughout the competition, but he came good on Sunday as he displayed signs of consistency and flair.
Spieth was within a shout of the title after a dramatic third round of 63 had elevated him significantly. However a final round of two-under 70 halted his challenge, and the American will rue a poor day's golf on Friday.
England's Danny Willett put in one of the performances of the weekend, shooting a final round of 62 to finish third. The world No. 26 hit 10 birdies on Sunday during a barnstorming finish.
Haotong Li's round of 72 saw his chances of glory come to an end, but the Chinese player was cheered home on the final green after a great tournament.
Knox beat a top-class field with his iron and putter work on Sunday. The Scot knew he couldn't compete with many of the top players when it came to distance, but his putting was solid throughout.
Kisner will be disappointed with second place, looking like the favourite for much of the competition, but his consistency let him down at the vital point of the tournament.
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