How Russell Knox's wife has him in

contention in Shanghai

FROM GOLF DIGEST

By Alex Myers

If you consider Russell Knox an unlikely name near the top of a World Golf Championship leader board, you'd be right. You also wouldn't know half the story.

A week ago, Knox didn't even expect to be playing in Shanghai. A spot only opened up when J.B. Holmes withdrew, but Knox still needed to obtain a visa for China. Enter Knox's Mexican-born wife, Andrea, six years his junior and a former tennis pro..

Andrea filled out the required paperwork and set up a last-minute meeting with the Chinese consulate in Malaysia. But her duties weren't done.

Since Knox's caddie didn't have as smooth of a time getting into the country, Andrea had to carry her husband's bag for his lone practice round at Sheshan International GC.

"My wife was a superstar," said Inverness-born Knox, who sits in solo second heading into the weekend, two shots behind Kevin Kisner.

And if you're wondering why the Scot couldn't carry himself, it's because he has a bad back -- yet another factor making him an improbable contender this week. Not that it was an easy loop for his helpful spouse.

"We got a stand bag from the pro here and played the quickest practice round ever, and she complained heavily for the last nine holes," Knox said.

Neither will be complaining if Knox keeps up this play for two more days.