Jake Knapp fired off one other 7-under 64 on the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch to guide the sphere at 14-under heading into the weekend.
The PGA Tour rookie holds a one-shot lead over Troy Merritt and Matt Wallace.
He has made 15 birdies to guide the sphere through the first two days. Knapp has been laser-focused together with his putter this week, as this observe appears to suit his eye.
“The greens are very pure. We have been speaking about how effectively the greens held up yesterday afternoon,” Knapp stated after his spherical. “Even with the rain within the morning, they have been very nice.”
His flat stick had not been as cooperative because it was early on within the season, however after two days of play in Texas, Knapp appears to have regained some confidence.
“Early on within the 12 months, felt like I used to be placing effectively, and for the final month or so, the stroke felt the identical, and the ball wasn’t going within the gap,” he defined. “So simply put a little bit bit extra of a premium the final couple weeks on inexperienced studying. Yeah, good to see a number of extra stepping into.”
He began his day on the again 9 and made 4 birdies in 5 holes to make the flip in 31. A bogey on the third didn’t section him as Knapp birdied the 4th with a 32-footer.
Knapp would make three birdies in his last 5 holes to file his second straight 7-under spherical.
The 2024 Mexico Open winner sits at No. 2 in strokes gained method to the inexperienced, choosing up 5.787 strokes. He additionally leads the sphere in strokes gained whole, choosing up 9.563 pictures on the sphere.
His method recreation has been phenomenal. Knapp has hit 32-of-36 greens in regulation and is 4-of-4 scrambling.
That has allowed the previous UCLA Bruin to get away with solely hitting 18 of 28 fairways.
Heading into the weekend, he doesn’t plan on altering something.
“Maintain doing the identical,” Knapp stated. “Scores are going to be low. Course is pure. Except the wind begins blowing, numbers are going to maintain going up. So, yeah, simply bought to maintain the pedal down and preserve making an attempt to make birdies.”
He’ll preserve his head down and proceed enjoying this course like he did Thursday and Friday.
“Programs like this the place scores are going to be low, you don’t fear an excessive amount of about what different guys are doing,” he stated. “You attempt to make a bunch of birdies. It’s a course that matches me effectively, so if I simply preserve doing the issues I’m doing, I’ll be in a great spot.”
Knapp has three high 10s on the season and is eying one other sturdy end as he continues to make the perfect of his rookie season.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. For extra golf protection, make sure you comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You can even comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
