Jake Knapp stole the limelight during the first round of the Cognizant Classic, etching his name in history with a record-shattering score of 59. His spectacular 12-under par opening round performance catapulted him four strokes ahead of his closest competitors. However, a less spectacular showing in the second round saw the rest of the field closing the gap as they moved into the third round.
Among the players nipping at Knapp’s heels is the Irish golf titan, Shane Lowry. The accomplished Ryder Cup victor followed up on Knapp’s feat with an impressive three-under in the second round, bringing his total to eight-under for the tournament. This leaves him just five strokes behind Knapp as they head into the weekend’s action.
The Irishman, when queried about Knapp’s 59, asserted that the American’s achievement should not be downplayed. Speaking to the media after his second-round performance, Lowry addressed the question of whether lower scores are becoming less significant as they become more commonplace. He countered this notion, arguing that any golfer who manages to go low, particularly as low as Knapp, deserves commendation.
Lowry said, “No, no. It’s hard to shoot low. I don’t care if it’s on a municipal course 6,500 yards. To shoot 59 is impressive.” He added, “I also don’t think people realize how hard the courses are we play on TOUR. Jake’s round yesterday was unbelievably impressive. Daniel Berger’s round was very impressive, and he beat him by four. Yeah, I think we need to give credit to the players for doing it.”
While Lowry was full of praise for Knapp’s performance, without any critique of the course set-up, Billy Horschel had a different take. Horschel, who shot a first-round 66, criticized the PGA National course for the ease at which high scores were achievable.
“There was no wind so it helps tremendously,” Horschel commented. “You’ve got to tip your hat to him [Knapp]. He shot a 12-under par 59 at PGA National, which no one ever thought.” He added, “I know we had a discussion earlier this week and I’ve probably changed my tune a little bit. I think the overseed has — the rough is not long enough. It’s not penal enough when you miss the fairway. I really wish we would just play this as a straight Bermuda. From tee to green, everything be straight Bermuda. I know it doesn’t look prettier on TV and I know that’s one of the reasons why it’s overseeded.”
Despite his criticisms, Horschel finds himself in the 35th spot heading into round three at six-under par, trailing the leader by seven strokes. Whether it’s a testament to player skill or a critique of course set-up, Knapp’s 59 at the Cognizant Classic has certainly sparked a lively debate.
