A record-breaking performance by Jake Knapp at the recent Cognizant Classic has been overshadowed by a wave of discontent from golf enthusiasts. Their bone of contention? The state of the PGA National course, which has been slammed as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘ruined’ by fans.
Despite Knapp’s impressive 12-under opening round, the achievement has been overshadowed by escalating complaints about the course. Fans have not held back in expressing their dissatisfaction, with the course’s conditions taking the brunt of the criticism.
TV coverage and rulings at previous PGA Tours have been a constant source of controversy in recent times. This time, however, the course itself has come under fire. Fans have decried the easy pin positions and the issue of overseeding, both of which they claim are leading to inordinately low scores.
Social media has been buzzing with criticism from fans. One disgruntled observer compared the PGA National to a run-of-the-mill municipal golf course, while another lamented the loss of the course’s unique selling point due to its perceived easiness.
The criticism didn’t stop there. A tweet from Geoff Fienberg (@gfienberg17) read, “Things that have hurt the PGA Tour more than losing a Jon Rahm to LIV. Removing match play from the schedule. Turning PGA National into a muni.”
The trend of falling TV ratings in golf has been attributed by some to the lack of challenge presented by the current course conditions. One golf lover on social media bemoaned the lack of difficulty, stating, “Bring back the real PGA National! Immediately. Don’t like this dart fest.”
The situation was summed up by a fan who asserted that the PGA National has been ‘ruined’. Another went as far as recommending a complete overhaul of the course, suggesting it should be bulldozed.
Despite the criticism, the action continues at the Cognizant Classic, with steady weather conditions expected to lead to more low scores throughout the weekend.
In the midst of this controversy, it’s worth noting that Knapp’s 12-under performance could potentially threaten Tiger Woods’ final round record of eight under at the Cognizant Classic in 2012. With three other players closely following Knapp at eight under par, we might witness some record-breaking action this week, provided the course can withstand the onslaught of criticism.
Hideki Matsuyama has already shattered the overall record in 2025 with a 35-under par, a feat that Knapp and others are ambitiously eyeing. Despite the fans’ grievances, the golfing action promises to heat up in Florida, setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking weekend.