PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- Jake Knapp made history on Thursday by carding a remarkable bogey-free 59 during the opening round of the Cognizant Classic held at the PGA National Resort’s Champion Course. This exceptional performance not only marked the 15th time someone has shot under 60 on the PGA Tour but also identified him as the first player to achieve this feat at the Cognizant Classic.
Ranked 99th globally, Knapp’s stellar round included 12 birdies, beginning explosively with five consecutive birdies right out of the gate. He entered the turn with six under par, recording what many golfers could only dream of. The round showcased Knapp's skill and consistency, finishing just one stroke shy of the all-time PGA Tour record of 58, held by Jim Furyk.
Knapp's path to 59 could have been even more remarkable. After his solid start, he found himself at 11 under on the 17th hole but unfortunately lipped out on his birdie attempt. He then had the opportunity for eagle on the par-5 18th, needing to sink an 18-foot putt. This putt slipped by to the right, leaving him with tap-in for his 59.
“It’s just one of those days where everything was kind of clicking,” Knapp said, reflecting on his historic round. He became the 14th player ever to shoot under 60, and he's tied for the 15 sub-60 rounds recorded on the Tour.
The weather conditions on Thursday were almost idyllic for shooting low scores, with barely any winds and soft greens, making the traditionally challenging course at PGA National far more manageable. Even seasoned professionals struggled with the course's defenses, sometimes illustrated by the more humorous occurrences, such as when fellow golfer Billy Horschel engaged with local wildlife after spotting alligators on the course.
Knapp's round stood out among the scores of other competitors; his 59 shattered the previous Cognizant Classic scoring record of 61 which had been set by Brian Harman in 2012 and later matched by Matt Jones. Scores were markedly lower across the leaderboard, with competitors like Daniel Berger, Russell Henley, and Sami Valimaki all shooting 63.
“I thought I played well,” said Berger after his round, yet the whirlwind of Knapp’s performance overshadowed many solid scores. The course, known as one of the toughest on the Tour, gave evidence of being less punishing this week, as the average score for those who teed off earlier was just under 68. Jordan Spieth, returning from injury, shot 65, and several players, including Rickie Fowler, started strong with opening rounds around the mid-60s.
“This year, we’ve definitely seen some low scores compared to previous years when playing here,” he added, noting how the club’s decision to overseed the course made it play wider and more forgiving. This change, alongside the favorable conditions, ensured the event was set up for low outings.
With the win at last year’s Mexico Open still fresh, Knapp seemed to channel the momentum from his victory to propel him forward as he ventures toward another possible win. His previous experience at the Cognizant also helped, as he had tied for fourth last year, indicating his affinity for this tournament.
This year's opening round signals not only Knapp's potential but also hints at how many were approaching this tournament the thoughts of breaking records and achieving greatness lingered as every golfer headlined their efforts with subpar scores. The prospect of what might come next holds excitement, particularly as Knapp sits four strokes clear of his nearest challengers.
“Getting to 59 is great, but you always could technically do even more,” Knapp acknowledged. “You could always shoot lower. But you have to celebrate the milestones, right?”
Whether or not he maintains his lead will become evident as the tournament progresses over the next three rounds. Knapp’s opening success sets the tone for what could be impactful weekend not only for him but also for the other players aiming to capitalize on favorable conditions.
So, as the history of the PGA Tour swells with exciting performances like Knapp's, fans and competitors alike are left anticipating how many more surprises await at the Cognizant Classic — the encouragement from Thursday looms large, hinting at significant competition and solid scoring on the horizon.