Scots star Russell Knox is hoping that a Ryder Cup opportunity can come knocking after securing the biggest win of his career in the WGC HSBC Champions in China.

The Inverness exile, who was originally the seventh reserve for the event, pulled off something of a Shanghai surprise as he won by two shots from a world class field that included the likes of Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler.

Florida-based Knox, who is set to surge into the leading 30 on the world rankings, is not a member of the European Tour and cannot pick up any Ryder Cup qualifying points for the European team until he joins.

His success in the Far East has given the PGA Tour player a two-year exemption to the European circuit, should he take it up, and the Highlander is eager to sign up and make a Ryder Cup push.

Knox, 30, said: “Obviously it’s going to be a goal of mine to make the European Ryder Cup team. I have no idea where I stand on making the team or what I need to do. But I look forward to finding out and giving it a run, that’s for sure.”

Knox has made terrific strides in the game on the other side of the Atlantic and was beaten in a play-off to the Honda Classic on the PGA Tour in 2014.

The Jacksonville University graduate has now made a huge breakthrough with the biggest individual success by a Scottish male golfer since Paul Lawrie won the 1999 Open.

Knox, who finished with a 20-under tally after a closing 68, added: "It's incredible. Winning any professional tournament is a massive accomplishment and you’re never quite sure if you’re ever going to do it because there are so many incredible players throughout the world, especially at tournaments like this with such an elite field.

“To come and be on top this week is a dream come true. Winning at 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. I was quite calm. But at the same time, that was the most nerve-wracking thing I have ever done. I still can't quite believe it.”

Meanwhile, Clydebank’s Scott Henry will have to go to this weekend’s European Tour qualifying school after missing out on promotion in the Challenge Tour’s Grand Final.

Henry shared seventh in the Oman showdown but finished 18th on the order of merit, with only the top-15 earning an automatic step up to the main circuit.