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Jake Knapp sets course record with 61 at Rocket Classic in Detroit
Jake Knapp playing his shot from the ninth tee, during the second round of the Rocket Classic on June 27. PHOTO: IMAGN IMAGES VIA REUTERS CONNECT DETROIT, Michigan - Jake Knapp's latest record day resulted in a course record at the Rocket Classic on June 27. Knapp went 7-under par over an eight hole stretch to propel him to a course record 11-under 61 at the Detroit Golf Club. Knapp, who began the day tied for 120th at the Rocket Classic, poured in an eagle and nine birdies on a bogey-free card that vaulted him from the cutline into contention. Knapp, 31, has established a reputation for being an extremely streaky player. In February, he recorded the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history in the first round of the Cognizant Classic. He eventually tied for sixth after stumbling to a final round 72. Knapp fired an opening-round 63 in his most recent start at the RBC Canadian Open. He again posted a final round 72 to settle for a T27. Ranked 98th in the world, Knapp has one career victory on tour. That came at the 2024 Mexico Open, where he also posted a 63 in the first round and held on for a two-shot victory with a 71 on Sunday. 'I'm definitely not afraid of shooting a low number,' Knapp said. 'I feel like when I start making birdies, I want to make more. 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. '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.' The June 27 course record came just a day after Knapp struggled to an even par 72 on a course that yielded a pair of 10-under 62s on the day. During the opening round, he managed just a lone birdie against one bogey. That changed quickly on June 27 as Knapp took advantage of a hot putter. Following three consecutive pars to open his round on the back nine, Knapp poured in three birdies over a four-hole stretch. He reached the par-5 17th hole in two and then drained a 34-foot eagle putt. After making his turn in 5-under 31, Knapp birdied six of his first eight holes on his inward nine to reach 11 under for the round and complete an 11-shot improvement from June 26. 'I was just kind of bummed last night because I felt like in the practice rounds and everything felt like I was hitting it pretty nice, and I know this course sets up well for me,' he said. 'So to shoot even par the first day just feels like you're shooting yourself in the foot, but feels nice to bounce back with 61. 'I just tried to play a little bit more aggressive, and for the most part we just went in with the mindset today that every pin was a green light so just tried to hit it at everything.' FIELD LEVEL MEDIA Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Rory McIlroy to skip Memorial Tournament
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is not on the list of competitors for next week's Memorial Tournament, marking the first time since 2017 that he will not participate in the event. PHOTO: AFP LONDON - Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy will skip next week's Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. McIlroy is not on the list of competitors for the event, marking the first time since 2017 that he will not participate in the tournament. Eighteen of the 20 top-ranked golfers in the world are expected to take part in the event. McIlroy currently is ranked No. 2, while No. 10 Bryson DeChambeau competes on the LIV Tour. No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will defend his 2024 title at the Muirfield Village Golf Club. Since he completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta National on April 13, McIlory has managed two top-12 finishes, placing tied for 12th at the Zurich Classic (April 24-27) and seventh at the Truist Championship (May 8-11). McIlroy, 36, struggled at last weekend's PGA Championship, finishing at plus-3 and tied for 47th place. Scheffler captured his third career major at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jack Nicklaus founded The Memorial Tournament in 1976 and continues to serve as the tournament host. Patrick Cantlay, the 15th-ranked player, has won two championships in the past six years (2019, 2021). FIELD LEVEL MEDIA Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
