The origin story of Jake Knapp, the PGA Tour’s most up-to-date winner on the Mexico Open, is among the extra attention-grabbing on the best way to incomes a tour card.
For most golfers attempting to achieve the very best ranges of play all around the world, it’s common to work varied jobs to assist pay for journey and compete in varied tournaments.
Knapp, who was operating out of funding for golf, labored as a nightclub bouncer to make the cash essential to maintain that dream of going professional alive.
Jake Knapp of the United States celebrates on the 18th inexperienced after profitable the Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta on Feb. 25, 2024 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
The story goes like this for Knapp. After dropping his Korn Ferry Tour card in 2021, Knapp was searching for methods to make some fast money. So, he determined to turn into a bouncer at a nightclub for 9 months.
While one might shake their head at this profession selection, Knapp was capable of work on his golf recreation in the course of the day and get work completed at night time as properly. He would use the cash he made at night time to take part in mini-tour occasions in addition to PGA Tour Canada tournaments.
Knapp didn’t wish to be on the entrance of a nightclub checking IDs for patrons, however he at all times had golf on his thoughts.
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“I was the one standing at the front door checking IDs and doing all that kind of stuff,” he stated on “The Smylie Show” with fellow PGA Tour winner Smylie Kaufman. “And it was like, ‘Man, what am I doing here?’ This isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing, but I had somebody give me a good piece of advice. ‘You are where you are for a reason. If you don’t want to be there, work your way out of it.’”
Knapp finally received again to the Korn Ferry Tour final yr, and he was capable of safe his PGA Tour card this yr.
Now 29 years previous, Knapp can say he’s a PGA Tour champion, ending 19-under at Vidanta Vallarta in his ninth profession begin.
Jake Knapp of the United States catches a ball in the course of the last spherical of the Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta on Feb. 25, 2024 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Knapp didn’t have the prettiest last spherical of the match, however he received the job completed, taking pictures even-par 71 to carry off Finland’s Sami Valimaki, who completed 17-under to assert second place. Valimaki had an opportunity to doubtlessly power a playoff when he stepped as much as the par-5 18th gap, however his tee shot ended up beneath a fence. He was compelled to take aid, which meant giving up one stroke.
From there, Knapp tapped in his last putt and the celebration ensued.
Knapp’s spectacular third spherical, which included a front-nine 28 after seven birdies, noticed him end 8-under for the day to take the lead heading into the ultimate spherical Sunday.
Of course, Knapp needs to proceed taking part in properly to stay within the Top 60, which might safe a spot at this yr’s U.S. Open. However, he’ll you should definitely take a step again and have fun not simply the win, however the bumpy highway it took to get so far in his profession.
Jake Knapp of the United States kisses the trophy after profitable the Mexico Open at Vidanta Vallarta on Feb. 25, 2024 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
Knapp went from No. 101 to No. 52 on the earth after the win, whereas additionally sitting eighth within the FedEx Cup standings.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/pga-tour-winner-worked-nightclub-bouncer-keep-golf-dream-alive
