In an impressive display of golf, Jake Knapp achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the Rocket Classic course record, which had only just been set the previous day. Knapp, hailing from Costa Mesa, California, not only surpassed the previous record but did so on a day filled with competitive excitement at the Detroit Golf Club.
After opening the tournament with an even-par 72 on Thursday, Knapp transformed his game on Friday, shooting an astounding 11-under-par 61. This performance not only left him tied for eighth place but underscored a trend at the tournament, where the course record changed hands three times in merely two days.
Starting his day from the back nine, Knapp showcased his talent with three birdies and an eagle on the challenging No. 17 hole. He continued his strong performance on the front nine, securing six additional birdies before finishing with a par on the par-3 No. 9.
Reflecting on his play, Knapp expressed satisfaction with his adjustments from the previous day. He noted, “Yesterday, I felt like I was doing everything OK, not great. Just did everything a little bit better today.” This attitude of improvement and determination is emblematic of his journey in professional golf.
Knapp, a University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) alum who turned pro in 2016, already boasts a win in the PGA Tour and several notable victories in PGA Tour Canada. This marks his second appearance at the Rocket Classic, having made the cut the previous year.
As Knapp continues to compete, he is just three shots behind the leaders, Chris Kirk, Andrew Putnam, and Philip Knowles, who are all at 14 under par. The tournament continues to promise thrilling golf as players strive to set new records and compete for the top spots.
This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and exciting nature of sports, where records are continually challenged, and players can rise to new heights in the blink of an eye.