Nightclub Bouncer Turned Pro Golfer: Jake Knapp’s Journey to PGA Tour Victory

The social media content team of the PGA Tour unusually posted a photo on the 26th.

In the photo is a man in a black t-shirt labeled ‘STAFF’ and a black hat. He is undoubtedly a nightclub bouncer. A bouncer is a gatekeeper, security guard, or bodyguard at the entrance.

The text read, ‘Jake Knapp was a nightclub bouncer two years ago. Today, he vies for his first victory at the PGA Tour Mexico Open at Vidanta (total prize money of $8.1 million).’

An hour later, Knapp lifted the PGA Tour victory cup on the green of the 18th hole at the Vidanta Bayarta Golf Course (Par 71) in Mexico Bayarta. He accumulated an even par 71 strokes and 19 under par 265 strokes. Knapp hugged his girlfriend, who had flown to Mexico, to congratulate him on his first tour victory.

Knapp aimed to advance to the PGA Tour and played in the Canadian and Korn Ferry (PGA 2nd Division) Tours.

When he lost his tour card from the fall of 2021 to the spring of 2022, he worked as a nightclub bouncer for nine months. Even while being hit by people, he swung golf clubs whenever he had a chance to achieve his dream of advancing to the PGA Tour.

Knapp advanced to the PGA Tour in 13th place in Korn Ferry Tour points last year.

With this victory, Knapp received a prize money of $1,458,000. He earned a two-year tour card, participation in special tournaments, and an invitation to the Masters Tournament in April.

The person who made Knapp what he is now is his late grandfather. Knapp competed with his grandfather’s initials tattooed on his arm, and after each round, Knapp sent a text message to his deceased grandfather’s cell phone number.

Knapp said, “I sent a message to my grandfather this morning, too. I wish he could be here to experience everything. I know that if I ever put myself down or get anxious, he would be the one to knock me back to reality. I achieved my first victory at 29. Many people helped me. I will remember them and move forward without giving up.”