Jake Knapp Shoots Historic 59 at Cognizant Classic

Jake Knapp achieved a historic feat by shooting a bogey-free 59 in the first round of the Cognizant Classic at PGA National, marking the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history and the first in a PGA event in Florida. His round included 12 birdies, breaking the tournament record of 61, and was aided by recent equipment changes, including a new driver and putter, which improved his performance. Despite missing a putt for an eagle on the 18th hole to tie the PGA Tour record of 58, Knapp's accomplishment is celebrated across the golf community, though some criticized the course setup as too easy. The course conditions were favorable with softer greens and light winds following recent overseeding and rain. Ranked 99th in the world, Knapp now leads the tournament by four strokes and emphasizes the importance of staying focused. He previously won the PGA Tour's Mexico Open in 2024.