What Jake Knapp did several times at the Cognizant Classic which even Michael Kim admits was making him ‘nervous’ to watch

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Jake Knapp failed to capitalise on a stunning first-round 59 at the Cognizant Classic as Joe Highsmith sealed a two-shot victory at PGA National.

Highsmith’s maiden Tour victory saw him become the first player in nine years to win after making the cut on the number after 36 holes.

Many thought, after Knapp’s 59 on Thursday, the course at the Cognizant Classic was too easy for the field. However, firmer greens and windy conditions made life more challenging during the third and fourth rounds. Sitting at 12 under after round one, Knapp picked up just three strokes over the rest of the tournament.

The American couldn’t get anything going during the final round and will no doubt be disappointed not to have ticked off a second Tour win.

Michael Kim, who played alongside Knapp on Sunday, was particularly intrigued by just how close the 30-year-old was teeing his ball to the markers.

Jake Knapp makes Michael Kim nervous at Cognizant Classic

In order to utilise as much of the tee box as possible, Knapp decided to tee his ball up within touching distance of the marker. Any errant swing could have resulted in a serious injury. Tom Kim did something very similar at the Sony Open.

Kim, writing in his post-tournament X thread, admitted Knapp’s tee shots were making him nervous.

“By the way, as many of you have seen, Jake Knapp teed it up REALLY close to the right tee marker multiple times, and even I was a bit nervous,” Kim wrote.

Michael Kim impressed by what Jake Knapp did at the Cognizant Classic

As mentioned, Knapp struggled during the final round and was left to rue a triple-bogey seven on the par-four 11th.

Knapp then made par on his next seven holes to finish four shots back of Highsmith. Despite falling short, Kim was impressed with how the one-time Tour winner handled his emotions after the 11th.

“I didn’t see the lie because I had a tough chip I was dealing with. But after watching the telecast, it was definitely a little head-scratching,” Kim added. “I was super impressed with his demeanour even after the triple.”

Michael Kim continues fine PGA Tour form

As for Kim, his tied sixth finish at PGA National continues what has been a fine stretch of golf for the American. After missing the cut at the Sony Open and Farmers Insurance Open, Kim placed second at the WM Phoenix Open and tied for 13th at the Genesis Invitational.

The 31-year-old then finished 13th at the Mexico Open last week. Kim has already earned more money than he did during the entirety of the 2024 season.

Currently 16th in the FedEx Cup standings, Kim will be looking to kick on and play his way into contention at some of the most significant events on Tour. Given his online presence, the American would undoubtedly be a popular winner if he can land his second Tour victory this year.