PGA TOUR
Jake Knapp Claims Maiden PGA TOUR Win at Mexico Open
Jake Knapp is the latest player to join the ranks as a PGA TOUR winner. The 29-year-old American outlasted Finland’s Sami Valimaki by two shots to claim the Mexico Open at Vidanta. Knapp, who was making just his 9th PGA TOUR start, eclipsed his previous best result on the TOUR—T3 at the Farmers Insurance Open in January this year.
Knapp took a four-shot lead into the final round after producing a stunning 8-under 63 on Saturday that included 11 birdies. The Californian made a nervous start on Sunday recording two bogeys at the opening three holes. The PGA TOUR rookie then found himself in a tie for the lead with Valimaki after seven holes with his playing partner making an eagle at the short par 4. From that point, Knapp was the steadier of the two leaders covering the final 11 holes with 10 pars and one birdie. Knapp closed with an even par 71 to get to 19-under.
Knapp made history of sorts with his victory. During the final round, he found just two fairways from the tee to become the first player to hit two fairways or less in the final round and go on to win since records were kept on the PGA TOUR from 1983.
With the win, Knapp is projected to leap to world No. 52. In May 2022, he was ranked 1,476th in the world.
Valimaki was trying to become the first player from Finland to win on the PGA TOUR. The 25-year-old, who owns two European Tour titles, was within two shots of Knapp playing the final hole. He was unable to press the leader after his errant drive at the 72nd hole rested under the out of bounds fence requiring a penalty drop. Valimaki closed with a 2-under 69 to get to 17-under for outright second place. The Fin had only enjoyed one top 25 in his previous 10 PGA TOUR starts.
Justin Lower, Stephen Jaeger and CT Pan took a share of third place at 14-under.
Defending champion Tony Finau posted all four rounds in the 60s. The American got to 11-under for a tied 13th result.
Aaron Baddeley and Harrison Endycott were the only Australians in the field. Tour veteran Baddeley closed with a 3-under 68 to get to 9-under and finish in a tie for 24th place. Endycott failed to qualify for the weekend.
The PGA TOUR moves to Florida for next week’s Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. America’s Chris Kirk is the defending champion.
Final Scores
1. Jake Knapp -19
2. Sami Valimaki -17
T3. Justin Lower -14
T3. Stephen Jaeger -14
T3. CT Pan -14
T6. Robert MacIntrye -13
T6. Patrick Rodgers -13
Australians
T24. Aaron Baddeley -9
MC. Harrison Endycott
Image credit: Hector Vivas/Getty Images
