Jake Knapp Achieves Historic 59 at PGA National in Cognizant Classic

Jake Knapp Achieves Historic 59 at PGA National in Cognizant Classic

Jake Knapp displayed outstanding skill at PGA National, making the prestigious course appear as if it were an everyday municipal layout. The 30-year-old golfer turned heads on Thursday with an impressive 12-under, bogey-free round of 59 during the opening day of the Cognizant Classic, which was previously known as the Honda Classic.

A Fiery Start

From the very first hole, Knapp set the tone for his remarkable performance. He began his round with a spectacular start, birdieing the first five holes. Among those early highlights, he made two incredible chip-ins and executed an exceptional tee shot on the par-three fifth hole, hitting the target from a challenging 194 yards away, leaving himself only three and a half feet for birdie.

Consistency Amid Challenges

After his initial surge, Knapp experienced a brief pause in momentum, carding three consecutive pars. However, he quickly regained his rhythm and birdied six out of the next seven holes. His sharp play continued as he sank another tee shot to within four feet on the par-three ninth. On the par-three 15th, he also managed to nail a birdie putt from an impressive distance of over 31 feet.

Chasing History

As he approached the final holes of his round, Knapp stood at a remarkable 11 under par after 15 holes. The challenge was to secure at least one birdie on the par-five 18th hole in order to break 60. Knapp met this challenge head-on. Following a dominating 335-yard drive, he reached the green from approximately 200 yards away. Although he narrowly missed an eagle putt that would have marked only the second time a golfer recorded a 58 on the PGA Tour, his performance still was historic as it marks the 15th 59 in the Tour’s history.

Rare Company and Achievement

Knapp’s score of 59 also makes him part of an elite group. He became the sixth player in PGA history to finish a round 12-under par, joining the ranks of notable golfers such as Scottie Scheffler, Jim Furyk (who has accomplished this feat twice), Paul Goydos, and Hayden Springer. His breakdown for the day consisted of a sensational 29 on the front nine and a 30 on the back.

Exceptional Putting Skills

Throughout the round, Knapp showcased his remarkable putting skills, successfully transforming nearly 70 feet worth of birdie putts. He confidently drained all six of his putts from distances between 6 and 12 feet, demonstrating an impressive touch on the greens.

Leading the Pack

As expected, given this outstanding performance, Knapp found himself firmly in the lead at the clubhouse, with three competitors closely trailing him at eight-under. All eyes now turn to how he maintains this lead as the tournament progresses.

A Promising Future

Knapp’s professional achievements include one PGA Tour victory, which he secured at the 2024 Mexico Open—an accomplishment he achieved a year and a day before his groundbreaking 59. Last year marked his debut in three major championships, where he finished T55 at the Masters and was unable to progress beyond the cut in both the PGA Championship and U.S. Open.

With such a strong showing at the Cognizant Classic, one can hope that this performance serves as a significant confidence booster for the young golfer as he aims for further success and consistency on the PGA Tour.

Looking Ahead

In summary, Jake Knapp’s remarkable score at the storied PGA National has not only elevated his standing in the golfing world but has also added another memorable chapter to the history of the PGA Tour. As he continues through the Cognizant Classic, fans will keenly watch to see if he can maintain this extraordinary level of play and face the mounting pressure that comes with being a leader in such a prestigious tournament.