PGA Winning Trophy Claimed by 'Nightclub Security Guard'

Rookie Nap Wins First PGA Tour Title at Mexico Open
Unusual Career as Security Guard at Wedding Halls Due to Low Income
Upset Victory in 9th Tournament, Big Prize of 1.9 Billion Won

A nightclub security guard completed a success story.

Jake Knapp is cheering after achieving his first career victory at the Mexico Open.
[Puerto Vallarta (Mexico)=AP & Yonhap News]

Jake Knapp (USA) reached the top of the PGA Tour on his ninth attempt. On the 25th (local time), at the Vidanta Bayarta Golf Course (par 71) in Bayarta, Mexico, he finished the final 4th round of the Mexico Open (total prize money $8.1 million) with an even-par round, securing a 2-stroke victory (19 under par, 265 strokes). He lifted the winner's trophy on his ninth PGA Tour appearance and earned $1,458,000 (approximately 1.94 billion KRW) in prize money.

Knapp is a player who honed his skills on the Canadian Tour and Korn Ferry (2nd tier) Tour, dreaming of advancing to the PGA Tour. In 2022, he worked as a nightclub security guard at night and played golf during the day. He also worked as a wedding hall security guard. Last year, he ranked 13th in Korn Ferry Tour points and advanced to the PGA Tour this year.

Knapp was cut four times in his previous eight appearances. This year, he made the cut three times, with a joint 3rd place at last month's Farmers Insurance Open as his best finish. After securing the victory, Knapp joyfully embraced his girlfriend who was waiting on the 18th hole green. He played the tournament with the initials of his maternal grandfather, who passed away last year, tattooed on his forearm. His grandfather was the biggest influence on his growth as a golfer. Knapp exclaimed, "I promised my grandfather to dedicate a PGA Tour winner's trophy to him. I am so happy to have fulfilled that dream."

Sammy Valimaki (Finland) finished 2nd (17 under par, 267 strokes). He aimed to become the first Finnish PGA Tour winner but settled for runner-up. Stephan Jaeger (Germany) and two others tied for 3rd place (14 under par, 270 strokes). Korean-American golfer Chan Kim finished tied for 8th (12 under par, 272 strokes), marking his first top 10 finish of the season. Last year's winner Tony Finau (USA) ended the tournament tied for 13th (11 under par, 273 strokes).