Jake Knapp played at Chamber’s Bay Golf Course in Washington for the 2015 U.S. Open, his first career major after qualifying as an amateur. However, he struggled to settle down due to nerves and feeling overwhelmed. Nine years later, he is heading into his first Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club with confidence after winning the 2024 Mexico Open and earning his PGA Tour card. Knapp’s game has improved significantly, and he is excited to compete with the best in the world.
Despite feeling nervous, Knapp is prepared for his second career major tournament. He has missed just two cuts in nine events and has three top 10 finishes, including a win at the Mexico Open. Knapp’s backstory, including working as a nightclub bouncer to support his golf dream, has garnered attention. He is known for his smooth tempo in his golf swing and impressive driving distance, averaging 306.1 yards per drive. His use of Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) clubs has also helped improve his game.
Knapp has made trips to Augusta National to acclimate himself with the course, which he feels suits his game well. The tournament requires laser focus on every shot, which is why Knapp plans to stay with his girlfriend and caddie in one house during the week while his family and friends are in another. Despite the nerves that come with playing in a major, Knapp is looking forward to the experience and appreciating the opportunity to compete at Augusta National.
As the Masters approaches, Knapp is determined to treat it like any other tournament and focus on winning. He values his support system and the feeling of comfort they provide. While he plans to soak in the atmosphere and appreciate the moment, once he steps onto the course, it’s all business. Knapp’s ultimate goal is to put himself in contention and vie for the championship on the final day of the tournament. He is excited for the challenge and ready to take on some of the best golfers in the world at Augusta National.
