Don’t Sleep on Knapp Time

Another week in the books down south of the border, where the Mexico Open brought us our 3rd rookie to claim their first PGA Tour victory this season. Jake Knapp, the Southern California kid brought his smooth swinging vibes to Vallarta, Mexico. Knapp outlasted a somewhat lacking field and gave a front row seat to show viewers & fans how hard it is to win on the PGA Tour.

Knapp is a name I know many aren’t aware of, but I was lucky enough to meet Jake, my sophomore year in college while playing at Washington State University. We were paired with UCLA and played together in the final round during the PAC-12 Championships in 2015 at Palouse Ridge Golf Club. Pullman, WA was hosting some of the best amateur players in the world that week with names like Maverick McNealy, Brandon Wu, Aaron Wise, C.T. Pan, and current #3 ranked player in the world Jon Rahm. Then there were names like Nick Mandell & Jake Knapp…

Now I will not be “that guy” to say I saw this coming, or even had a clue that Jake would have gotten to this point in his golfing career. But the memory that sticks with me is starting on hole 10 and introducing myself to the group. On the tee of this downhill 625 yd Par 5 with about a 10-15 MPH winds at our back, I witnessed Jake hit a ball that never seemed like it was going to land. While the rest of the group was trying to find a good layup number or strategically roll something to the front edge for a good look at birdie, Jake gifted himself with a mid-iron into the green. As a smaller/shorter hitter at the time, I was quite intimidated. This guy was average height, and quite skinny. How on earth did he just hit one that went nearly 4 hundred yards?

That day and the tournament in general didn’t go how either of us expected. As he carded a 73 (+3) and bested me by 3. Jake finishing T40 and myself at T49 made me believe that maybe golf isn’t our future professionally. During this round, I distinctly remember how frustrated Jake was at UCLA and was contemplating leaving early to turn professional. In my head, I was thinking “Sure pal, I’m sure that’s the best move for your career.” But he did, he graduated early and forfeited his senior year to turn professional.

After spending numerous years on development tours like PGA Canada, Korn Ferry, and a long stint with Mini Tours he finally broke through in 2023 and earned a PGA Tour card. I knew people/players that were familiar with his game, and everyone had a similar opinion. “He has the game but needs the mental strength to match.” Even Knapp himself had quotes referring to his timing with earning his tour card. He was open and honest with his journey and humble enough to share that he, nor his game, was ready for life on tour until now. Not many people know or can even comprehend how timing really does matter in this profession. As a fan of golf, it is a great story and I imagine Jake earned more fans than just myself with this victory. His attitude and laid-back demeanor are a great addition to the tour that desperately needs more people like him!

Now, with a new week we arrive at one of the hardest tracks on the tour schedule. PGA National and the storied “Bear Trap” will be on full display for viewers to experience a course that can produce high quality shot making while also destroying top level players’ confidence at the same time.

With a field that can sometimes be underwhelming, this year we have a solid lineup. A long list of past champions including Rory McIlroy, Sepp Straka, Chris Kirk, Sungjae Im, Daniel Berger and Keith Mitchell will headline the field. Other names to note are Cameron Young, Tom Kim, Min Woo Lee and last year’s runner-up & ROTY Eric Cole. The Florida swing is a pivotal time in the season for players that reside in the southeast and I look for a resident packed leaderboard here and in the coming weeks.

As for picks, last week we were close. 4 of 5 picks finished in the top 13! Maybe sprinkle some top 20 money on this week’s picks until we see one go through the net.

Last week’s picks and their finishes you can see below:

- Patrick Rodgers +3500 (T6)

- Brandon Wu +3500 (T13)

- Erik Van Rooyen +4000 (T8)

- Austin Eckroat +6000 (T38)

- Maverick McNealy +7000 (T13)

This week I have another 5 players I like with their odds attached! (Apologies to the Rory stans, but +700 isn’t juicy enough for me)

- Byeong Hun An +2800

- J.T. Poston +3000

- Denny McCarthy +5000

- Erik Van Rooyen +6500

- Ben Griffin +9000