Jake Knapp was the star of the show at the Cognizant Classic after round one as he shot a record breaking 59 to put himself into the record books.
Knapp’s stunning 12-under opening round put him four shots clear of the pack but after an underwhelming second round, the field is bunched heading into round three.
Indeed, one of the players not too far adrift is Irishman, Shane Lowry.
The Ryder Cup winner shot a fine second round of three-under to go eight-under for the tournament and just five back of Knapp going into the weekend.
However, when asked to speak about Knapp’s 59, Lowry admitted there should be nothing taken away from the American.
Shane Lowry defends Jake Knapp after his 59 at The Cognizant Classic
Speaking to the press after his own second round performance, Lowry was asked about the 59 from Jake Knapp in round one and specifically, if lower scores are becoming less impressive as they become more regular.
However, Lowry hit back at those suggestions and suggested anyone going low – especially that low – deserves credit.
“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,” Lowry quipped.
“I also don’t think people realize how hard the courses are we play on TOUR. There are people sitting at home, and — 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.”
Why Billy Horschel was shocked by Jake Knapp’s score
With Lowry being complimentary of the performance of Knapp and no mention of the course set up, it seems the Irishman just wanted to applaud good golf.
However, while he did praise Knapp as well, Billy Horschel also slammed the PGA National course for the ease at which scoring was possible.
“There was no wind so it helps tremendously,” Horschel said after shooting a first-round 66. “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.
“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.”
In the end, it’s mattered little for Horschel as he’s down in 35th ahead of round three at six under par, some seven off the lead.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
