Jake Knapp’s up and down golf journey just hit its high so far, as the Southern California native shot a 59 in the Cognizant Classic.
It’s only the 15th 59 in PGA Tour history.
Knapp was inches away from a record 57, lipping out on 17 and nearly making eagle on 18.
Less than two months prior, the 30-year-old had to withdraw from the Sony Open due to a back injury.
Knapp learned the game with his brother at Costa Mesa’s public course while their parents were at work.
After playing at UCLA, he bounced around Q school, the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA until winning his first tournament at the Mexico Open in early 2024.
Just a few years before that, he was side hustling as the doorman at a bar.
In 2023, Knapp’s grandfather, who had a profound influence on his golf game, passed away.
Jake texts him after his rounds, and just got to tell him he shot a course-record 12-under.
Jim Fury is the only golfer to shoot under 60 twice and the only to shoot at 58.
photos/videos: @JakeKnapp
