The origin story of Jake Knapp, the PGA Tour’s most recent Mexican Open winner, is one of the most interesting on the road to earning a tour card.
Most golfers trying to reach the highest levels of play around the world typically work multiple jobs to pay for travel and compete in various tournaments.
Lacking funds for golf, Knapp worked as a nightclub bouncer to earn the money he needed to sustain his dreams of becoming a professional.
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Jake Knapp of the United States celebrates on the 18th green after winning the Vidanta Vallarta Mexican Open on February 25, 2024 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
For naps it looks like this: After losing his Korn Ferry Tour Card in 2021, Knapp was looking for a way to make some quick cash. So he decided to work as a bouncer in a nightclub for nine months.
While some may shake their heads at this career choice, Knapp was able to play golf during the day and work at night. He used the money he earned at night to attend mini-tour events and PGA Tour Canada tournaments.
Knapp hated checking IDs at nightclubs, but golf was always on his mind.
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“I was standing in the door checking IDs and things like that,” he said on “The Smiley Show” with fellow PGA Tour winner Smiley Kaufman. “And I was like, ‘Hey, what am I doing here?'” This isn’t something I should do, but someone gave me some good advice. that. ‘”
Knapp ultimately returned to the Korn Ferry Tour last year and was able to secure a PGA Tour card this year.
Knapp, 29, can call himself the PGA Tour champion after finishing 19 under at Vidanta Vallarta in his ninth career start.
Jake Knapp of the United States catches a ball during the final round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta on February 25, 2024 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Knapp didn’t have the best result in the final round of the tournament, but he got the job done with an even-par 71 and held off Finland’s Sami Valimäki, who finished second at 17 under. Valimaki had a chance to make the playoff when he reached the par-5 18th hole, but his tee shot went under the fence. He was forced to relieve and allowed one hit.
From there, Knapp hit his final putt and a celebration ensued.
Knapp had an impressive third round that included a 28 on the front nine after seven birdies, finishing the day at 8 under par and heading into Sunday’s final round in the lead.
Of course, Knapp wants to continue playing well to stay in the top 60 and secure a spot at this year’s U.S. Open. But he’s sure to take a step back and celebrate not only his victory, but the rocky road he’s had to get to this point in his career.
Jake Knapp of the United States kisses the trophy after winning the Vidanta Vallarta Mexican Open on February 25, 2024 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
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After his win, Knapp rose from 101st to 52nd in the world and is now eighth in the FedEx Cup rankings.
