The first groupings at the Cognizant Classic are in the clubhouse on an opening day that saw Jake Knapp shoot a course record around the usually tough PGA National course.
Knapp carded a quite stunning 12-under par 59 to go into the clubhouse as the leader and with it, the course record to his name as well.
Behind him, the likes of Daniel Berger and Russell Henley carded rounds of 63, while even down around the 20th spot, players were shooting five under par.
However, while Knapp’s performance was more than impressive and deserved plenty of credit, the course itself played into the hands of the PGA stars out for the morning sessions.
And that, along with the weather also being mild, has seen the PGA National course come under fire.
PGA National course criticised after Jake Knapp breaks course record at the Cognizant Classic
While Knapp’s achievement deserves celebrating, it’s a fair comment to say that he was helped by the elements and crucially, the course itself.
The PGA National course had plenty of work done to it prior to the event but it seems the course management and green-keepers went a bit over the top with their seeding, creating conditions ideal for PGA Tour players to shoot low scores.
And according to journalist Dan Rappaport, an un-named PGA Tour player has branded the whole situation as ‘dumb’.
The previous record at the PGA National course was 61, held by Brian Harman.
PGA Tour players react to conditions at the Cognizant Classic
With Rappaport sharing an anonymous verdict from a player, there were plenty out there who openly voiced their opinions on the situation.
One of those was current PGA player Joel Dahmen, who suggested the course was a completely different test compared to usual.
Another player, Michael Kim – who actually played and finished at six-under for the day – also weighed in on the situation, adding:
“Big rye overseed and no wind make this course much easier but did not think I’d be 6 shots back after a 65”
While the experienced Thomas Bjorn also shared similar sentiments to Dahmen.
“That used to be a tough golf course..”
Indeed, the average winning score at the course over the last two decades is around 10-under par.
If Knapp and others continue like they are, then Hideki Matsuyama’s PGA record of 35-under par at The Sentry might end up being under threat.
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