- American Jake Knapp held on to secure victory at Vidanta Vallarta on Sunday
- The 29-year-old has endured a difficult road on his way to the PGA Tour.
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American rookie Jake Knapp, who worked as a nightclub bouncer just a few years ago, earned his first PGA Tour victory on Sunday.
The 29-year-old, who took a job in security three years ago after failing to earn a tour card, cruised to a two-stroke victory at the Mexico Open.
It was just his ninth start on the PGA Tour and the victory earned Knapp nearly $1.5 million in prize money and a spot in the Masters in April. Heading into the event, his career earnings on the PGA Tour were $562,132.
Knapp had earlier lost a four-stroke lead in seven holes before holding it together to close with an even-par 71 and win the Mexican Open at Vidanta.
“I didn’t necessarily have my best moment today, that’s for sure,” Knapp said.
“I knew it was going to be stressful. I knew it was going to be tough,” added the American rookie.
American rookie Jake Knapp achieved his first victory on the PGA Tour on Sunday.
The 29-year-old player, a former nightclub bouncer, receives a water shower after his victory.
“But I was really excited about how I played down the stretch.”
Knapp said he still texts after every round to his grandfather, who died last year, and that this message can require a lot of detail.
He didn’t find a fairway until the eighth hole and only found two in the entire round. He never lost the lead, but twice allowed Finland’s Sami Valimaki to catch up.
They were tied with six holes left until Knapp took control, going up and down on four of the next five holes, including one for birdie. It wasn’t easy until the end.
Another great par save on the par-three 17th hole gave him a two-stroke lead heading into the par-five final hole at Vallarta Vidanta. Valimaki, needing to give Eagle a chance, shot down the right side, off a cart path and positioned himself next to a boundary fence.
He had to take a penalty, effectively ending his chances. Valimaki posted a pair of 69s to finish second, which is still a huge boost for his rookie season. Valimaki was among the top 10 European Tour players to earn PGA Tour cards this year.
Victory at the Mexican Open on Sunday allowed Knapp to pocket nearly $1.5 million in prize money.
The American debutant poses with the trophy with his girlfriend Makena White