Former nightclub bouncer Jake Knapp lands $1.5MILLION prize after sealing maiden PGA Tour win at Mexico Open
- American Jake Knapp secured victory in Vidanta Vallarta on Sunday
- The 29-year-old has had a tough journey on his way to the PGA Tour
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
American rookie Jake Knapp, who only a few years ago worked as a nightclub bouncer, claimed his first victory on the PGA Tour on Sunday.
The 29-year-old, who took a job in security three years ago after failing to win a tour card, claimed a two-shot victory at the Mexico Open.
It was only his ninth PGA Tour start and the victory earned Knapp almost $1.5 million in prize money – and a spot at the Masters in April. Heading into the event, his career earnings on the PGA Tour were $562,132.
Knapp had earlier lost a four-shot lead in seven holes before holding it together to close with an even-par 71 and win the Mexico Open at Vidanta.
“I didn’t necessarily have my best stuff today, that’s for sure,” Knapp said.
‘I knew it was going to be nerve-wracking. I knew it was going to be difficult,” the American rookie added.
American rookie Jake Knapp claimed his first victory on the PGA Tour on Sunday
The 29-year-old – a former nightclub bouncer – is doused with water after his victory
“But I was super excited about how I played the last piece.”
Knapp said he still sends a text message to his grandfather, who died last year, after each round, and that message may require a lot of detail.
He didn’t hit the fairway until the eighth hole and only found two the entire round. He never lost the lead, but allowed Finland’s Sami Valimaki to overtake him twice.
They had six holes to play until Knapp took over and went up and down on four of the next five holes, including one for birdie. It wasn’t easy until the end.
Another big par save at the par-three 17th gave him a two-shot lead into the par-five closing hole at Vallarta Vidanta. Valimaki, needing an eagle to have a chance, turned his drive down the right side, off a cart path and nestled next to a border fence.
He had to take a penalty, which effectively ended his chances. Valimaki shot a par of 69 to finish second, still a big boost for his rookie season. Valimaki was among the top ten players on the European tour to earn PGA Tour cards this year.
With Sunday’s victory at the Mexico Open, Knapp took home almost $1.5 million in prize money
The American rookie poses with the trophy next to his girlfriend Makena White