Knapp Clings to Lead Amid Chaos at Cognizant Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Jake Knapp navigated a tumultuous Saturday at the Cognizant Classic, managing to secure a one-shot lead going into the final round at PGA National after finishing with a 3-under 68. Knapp, who started the tournament with a stunning 59, began the third round in front but fell three shots back before recovering with birdies on the 16th and 18th holes.

“A little bit all over the place,” Knapp said about his performance. He concluded the day at 16-under 197, holding a slim advantage over a tightly contested leaderboard.

Following closely behind was Michael Kim, along with nearly two dozen others vying for the title. The third round was marked by constant lead changes, with 10 players sharing the top position at various points. The challenging par-3 15th hole, which plays 163 yards over water, proved detrimental for several competitors.

Taylor Montgomery, who started the round strong with six birdies on the front nine, briefly took the lead before disaster struck at the 15th. He lost two tee shots in the water, resulting in a quadruple-bogey 7. “You let your mind up in this game for one second, and it can bite you,” Montgomery reflected after finishing with a 68 and being three shots off the lead.

Swedish player Jesper Svensson also faced setbacks on the 15th, hitting a bunker shot that went long into the water, resulting in a triple bogey. Despite starting tied for the lead, he ended up six shots off the pace after additional difficulties on the 18th hole.

Kim had his share of fortune on the 15th, where his tee shot hit the rocks and bounced into the mud instead of the water. After removing his shoe and sock, he stood in the sludge to play his next shot, successfully making the green and two-putting for his first bogey of the tournament. “I didn’t get as wet as I thought,” Kim said, sporting signs of mud splatter on his face.

Knapp, who struggled particularly in his iron play and short game during the front nine, regained composure as many others faltered. “It’s just a lot less pin hunting. It’s a little bit more conservative targets,” Knapp noted, reflecting on the need for careful distance control as the greens become firmer under Florida’s warm sun.

Russell Henley and Ben Griffin each shot 66, while Doug Ghim came in with a 68, placing themselves just two shots behind Knapp. Montgomery and Rickie Fowler trailed by three, with several players, including Jordan Spieth, also within striking distance. Spieth’s steady 68 brought him to 11-under and tied for 14th.

Historically, of the players who have recorded a score of 59 or lower on the PGA Tour, only five have converted that into a tournament victory, with Brandt Snedeker being the latest over seven years ago. Knapp is looking to make history as the first wire-to-wire winner of the event.

“It just felt kind of weird after playing so well Thursday… just had to manage my expectations,” Knapp said, emphasizing the need for patience as the competition remains fierce.

The Cognizant Classic has undergone various name changes over the years, but the challenges of PGA National are inherent, with water hazards and gusty winds ensuring that no lead is safe. As shown on Saturday, anything could happen on the course.