In the windswept cradle of links golf, where centuries-old fairways meet modern ambition, Jake Knapp has scripted a breakout performance that’s turning heads across the PGA Tour. With a bogey-free 6-under 64 in his professional links debut, the 31-year-old Californian now shares the lead at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, tied with Sepp Straka, Nico Echavarria, and Victor Perez.
Knapp’s round at The Renaissance Club wasn’t just impressive—it was poetic. Known for his power game and aggressive putting, Knapp adapted seamlessly to the subtleties of links golf, embracing creativity and ground play.
“I haven’t played a ton of links golf,” Knapp admitted. “But I like to be creative and hit different shots—it just fits my eye”.
He birdied three of his first four holes, gained 4.5 strokes with the putter, and ranked fourth in the field in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee. His ability to shape shots and stay patient in blustery conditions showcased a maturity beyond his links experience.
Knapp’s rise hasn’t come out of nowhere. He won the Mexico Open in February and has quietly built momentum with a T-4 at the Rocket Classic and T-21 at the John Deere Classic. But this week in Scotland marks a turning point—not just in performance, but in mindset.
On the advice of Rickie Fowler, Knapp arrived early and played a casual round at North Berwick Golf Club with his father and caddie, while his mother and girlfriend walked along. That grounding experience, he says, helped him settle into the rhythm of links golf.
“It was awesome,” Knapp said. “I’m loving it so much I’d like to extend my stay another week”.
Knapp isn’t yet qualified for next week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush, but the Scottish Open offers spots to the top three finishers not already in the field. With his current form, Knapp is well-positioned to punch his ticket.
“As of right now, I’m flying home Monday,” he said. “Hopefully, I can change that”.
With 54 holes to go, Knapp will need to maintain his composure and creativity. The Renaissance Club is known for its unpredictable bounces and swirling winds—conditions that test even seasoned pros. But if Day 1 is any indication, Knapp’s game is not just holding up—it’s thriving.
Jake Knapp’s Scottish debut is more than a hot
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In the windswept cradle of Lynx Golf, where centuries old fairways meet modern ambition, Jake Knap has scripted a breakout performance that’s turning heads across the PJ tour. With a bogey-free 6 under 64 in his professional links debut, the 31-year-old Californian now shares the lead at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open tied with Sebstraka, Niko Echavvaria, and Victor Perez. Nap’s round at the Renaissance Club wasn’t just impressive, it was poetic. Known for his power game and aggressive putting, Nap adapted seamlessly to the subtleties of Lynx golf, embracing creativity and ground play. I haven’t played a ton of Lynx golf, Nap admitted. But I like to be creative and hit different shots. It just fits my eye. He birdied three of his first four holes, gained 4.5 strokes with the putter, and ranked fourth in the field in strokes gained off the tea. His ability to shape shots and stay patient in blustery conditions showcased a maturity beyond his links experience. Knap’s rise hasn’t come out of nowhere. He won the Mexico Open in February and has quietly built momentum with AT4 at the Rocket Classic and T-21 at the John Deere Classic. But this week in Scotland marks a turning point, not just in performance, but in mindset. On the advice of Ricky Fowler, Knap arrived early and played a casual round at North Barrack Golf Club with his father and Caddy while his mother and girlfriend walked along. That grounding experience, he says, helped him settle into the rhythm of Link’s golf. It was awesome, Nap said. I’m loving it so much, I’d like to extend my stay another week. Nap isn’t yet qualified for next week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrait, but the Scottish Open offers spots to the top three finishers not already in the field. With his current form, Knap is well positioned to punch his ticket. As of right now, I’m flying home Monday, he said. Hopefully, I can change that. With 54 holes to go, Nap will need to maintain his composure and creativity. The Renaissance Club is known for its unpredictable bounces and swirling winds, conditions that test even season pros. But if day one is any indication, Nap’s game is not just holding up, it’s thriving. Jake Knap’s Scottish debut is more than a
