Jake Knapp Pro Golfer - The Ottawa Connection - Knapp Time

Before a week ago, most golf fans would have yet to learn who Jake Knapp was; for me, it was after round 3 of the Mexico Open at Vidanta that Jake discussed his Grandfather and his impact on his golf career and life. This guy is the real deal, with a sweet swing and a personality.

He managed to grind out a final round 71 and secured his first victory on the PGA Tour.  Hard to believe he's only played 9 PGA Tour events in his golf career.

Perseverance is one word to describe Jake.

Jake Knapp - Emotional Discussing Late Grandfather

“He was the guy I talked to after every single round. Still, text him after every round.” An emotional Jake Knapp discusses his tattoo with his late grandfather's initials.

Posted by PGA TOUR on Sunday, February 25, 2024

The Ottawa Connection 

Jake Knapp's girlfriend is Makena White from Ottawa, Canada. 

She flew in to see him compete in the final round of the Mexico Open. 

Makena, 26, apparently works as a vascular surgery sales rep for LeMaitre, a medical device company, after graduating from McMaster University in 2019.

Jake Knapp Girlfriend Reaction to Win

From one side of the continent to the other 🇨🇦🇲🇽 Jake Knapp's girlfriend flew from Canada to Mexico for his final round of the Mexico Open at Vidanta.

Posted by PGA TOUR on Sunday, February 25, 2024

Knapp is in contention again this week after carding a second-round 66 to slide into a tie for 6th going into the weekend at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. He's liking the Florida swing so far, having played the first two rounds with World number 2 Rory McIlroy.  

He's obviously loving the support he's getting from his girlfriend's Ottawa family. Sporting "Knapp Time" t-shirts. How can you not route for this player?

“My dad and his buddies came down from Ottawa to watch Jake play,” said White, “and I did not know that these were going to be a thing, and I was looking for them in the crowd on 12, and then I saw a bunch of white T-shirts with beds on them. I couldn’t read it, and I was like, Oh, my, gosh, those are Knapp Time T-shirts, and so, that was them … pretty great.”