Jake Knapp Just Kool-Aid Man’d into Contention at the Rocket Classic with a Course-Record 61

Say what you want about Jake Knapp, but this man knows how to take it low. Like, real low.

This season alone, Knapp shot 59 during the opening round of the Cognizant Classic at PGA National and posted a Thursday 63 at the RBC Canadian Open. So, it’s no surprise to see him ranked eighth in birdie average and third in birdie or better conversion average on TOUR this season.

And on Friday, we saw the World No. 98 reach back into his bag at Detroit Golf Club during the second round of the Rocket Classic.

A day after signing for an even-par 72, a pretty disappointing score around this track, Knapp made nine birdies and an eagle to post an 11-under 61 that vaulted him into a tie for fifth—he’ll probably drop a few spots once the afternoon wave gets going, but he’ll still be primed to make a move over the weekend.

Aldrich Potegieter and Kevin Roy shot matching course-record 62s on Thursday, but Knapp didn’t let that mark stand for more than 24 hours.

Knapp made nearly 126 feet of putts, hit 10 of 14 fairways, and only missed three greens—he got it up and in every time. That’ll play more often than not.

"I'm definitely not afraid of shooting a low number, I feel like when I start making birdies, I want to make more," Knapp said after signing his card. "I was even kind of thinking about 59 when I stuck it close on my third to last for eagle and figured I could maybe eagle that and birdie the last two.

"But no, I don't know. Yeah, I think when you're playing well just try to stay out of my own way and just kind of keep doing what I'm doing and making more birdies."

I have a feeling this won’t be a one-off for Knapp. DGC is all about driving it as far as you can and hitting wedges close from there. Of all the players on TOUR, I wouldn’t take many guys before Knapp under those conditions.

Currently sitting at 40th in the U.S. Team Rankings for the Ryder Cup, Knapp could quickly get on Captain Keegan Bradley’s radar with a win in the Motor City—it also doesn’t hurt that his game would fit Bethpage Black pretty damn well, too.

I’ve been pushing the Knapp-Ryder Cup narrative for months. I just think the team needs some new blood, and the New York fans would love the kid—him making the team would make me look pretty smart, too, so that’s an added bonus.

We’ll see if he takes advantage of the opportunity Saturday afternoon.