In Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Jake Knapp managed to maintain his lead at the Cognizant Classic, even though his second round score was significantly lower than his initial 59 on the PGA Tour. Though his 1-under-par 70 on Friday brought challenges, including ten birdie-free holes and a double bogey from a water hazard, Knapp ended his round on a high note with a decisive 15-foot birdie putt. This left him one shot ahead of Matthieu Pavon.
Reflecting on his performance, Knapp noted the contrast between the two days. “Following up a round of 59 is uncharted territory for me,” he confessed, highlighting how differently his game felt, with everything seemingly falling into place on the first day compared to the tougher conditions on Friday. The added wind and some unlucky bounces on the course, like hitting a sprinkler cap, were part of the day’s struggle.
Meanwhile, young talent was on display as well. Florida State’s Luke Clanton put in a solid performance with a 5-under 66, comfortably making the cut and positioning himself just four shots off the pace. His play over the weekend could earn him a PGA Tour card post the NCAA Championships in May. Clanton, who has already achieved two runner-up PGA finishes, is no stranger to such competitive environments.
Knapp led with a 13-under 129, just ahead of Pavon, who carded a 64. Pavon’s 2022 victory at Torrey Pines ensures he remains a formidable competitor. Daniel Berger, who hails from the local area, shared the lead briefly before a setback and ended his day at 11-under 131, joined by others like Michael Kim and Jesper Svensson. Berger’s third-round performance included a few errors, including one costly bogey at hole 11.
The seasoned Zach Johnson, at 49, impressed with a 66, sharing a spot with Rickie Fowler and Taylor Montgomery, both at 132. Despite initially strong play from Jordan Spieth and a memorable 50-foot birdie putt on the 16th, he encountered trouble with a triple bogey on the par-3 17th, finishing at 70 and six shots off the lead. Spieth’s unexpected participation in the Cognizant Classic followed his absence from the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Friday’s start was rocky for Knapp, who began with a birdie and then faced challenges such as being trapped in a bunker on the 16th and encountering another on the 18th. His notorious sprinkling cap incident on the par-5 third hole seemed foreboding, but recovering with an 8-foot birdie there, and another birdie on the subsequent hole, showed resilience. Yet, a misstep on the sixth, finding water off the tee, was a reminder of the day’s trials.
Reflecting on the round, Knapp expressed intent to refine his game before the next performance, suggesting that the key would not be to overpower the course but to play strategically and efficiently. The weekend promises further excitement in the competition.
