Scots star Russell Knox reckons he’s put European Ryder Cup skipper Darren Clarke in a difficult position after the Inverness exile notched his second PGA Tour win of the season.

The 31-year-old held his nerve superbly and holed a 12-foot putt for par on the 72nd hole to win the Traveler’s Championship by a single stroke on Sunday night.

Knox, who made his breakthrough on the world stage in last November’s WGC HSBC Champions, has now given his hopes of earning a spot in Europe’s Ryder Cup team a huge boost.

The Florida-based Scot is one place shy of the ninth and last automatic qualifying place with just a couple of counting events remaining before the end of August cut off but his second win of the PGA circuit’s wraparound campaign has strengthened his claim for a wild card pick.

Knox said: “I knew by winning this tournament, it’s put Darren Clarke in a very difficult position not to pick me. But it’s his decision. If I don’t make the team, I can’t think I’m worthy of a pick. He can pick whoever he wants, and that’s the luxury of it. If I make the top nine, then I deserve to be on the team. If I’m No 10, he can quite happily pass on me, and that’s just the way it is.”

Knox started the final round three shots behind playing partner Daniel Berger before finding himself with a two-shot advantage following back-to-back birdies at the 13th and 14th.

He dropped a shot at the 16th before finding a greenside bunker with his approach at the last but managed to get up and down, tossing his hat across the green in celebration. “It’s amazing,” he added. “To make that putt, I mean, it’s just the greatest feeling ever. I think it’s big to win for a second time. Now I can start believing in myself even more.

“I made it a big deal. I finished second three times since I’ve won and I really wanted to get another one so I could really show myself that I can win multiple times. And to do it in one season is pretty amazing. I felt like the Incredible Hulk when the putt went in. I could have ripped my shirt off.”