AFTER handling a crippling nine at TPC Sawgrass' 17th with class, Russell Knox has been rewarded with an incredible bounce at the Irish Open.

PERHAPS there really are such things as the Golf Gods. Scotland's Russell Knox could hardly have been more dignified in his response to making a nine at the 17th at TPC Sawgrass last week and this week his class was rewarded.

Playing the Irish Open at the K Club exactly seven days after rinsing three balls including a shank at the terrifying par-3 in Florida, Knox had a fairway wood in hand for his approach to the par-5 16th.

As the ball left the clubface it looked to be deja vu, its flight coming perilously close to a water hazard fronting the green.

Knox's heart must have sunk as the ball clearly failed to make the carry but, almost like magic, it reappeared a split second later and popped onto the green.

The lucky bounce left Knox with a legitimate chance at eagle but while he missed the putt, the resulting birdie lifted him to 5-under for the week and a share of third place with one round to go.

Host and local hero Rory McIlroy is in the lead at The K Club by three strokes with three holes remaining in his third round, before the players were pulled from the course due to inclement weather.

Reigning US Masters champion Danny Willett is in outright second, also with three holes to play to complete his third round on Sunday morning.

Fortune favours the brave. Knox off the rocks. https://t.co/NrNRmVfKPi — The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 21, 2016

DASH DAY'S HILARIOUS 'HAPPY GILMORE' ATTEMPT:

[VIDEO:4904692219001]

Want video tips delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe to iseekgolf.com newsletters.