Jake Knapp is an American professional golfer best known for winning the 2024 Mexico Open and shooting a historic 59 at the 2025 Cognizant Classic. Born on May 31, 1994, in Costa Mesa, California, he is 31 years old and currently plays on the PGA Tour.
He turned pro in 2016 after a strong amateur career at UCLA. Jake is known for his powerful swing and calm playing style. As of 2025, he has eight top-10 finishes and over $6 million in career earnings. He lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his girlfriend, Canadian medical sales representative Makena White.
Jake Knapp Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Jacob Richard Knapp |
| Date of Birth | May 31, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Professional Golfer |
| Hometown | Costa Mesa, California |
| Current Residence | Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Nationality | American |
| Instagram ID | @knapptime_ltd |
Physical Details
| Height | 5’11” (1.80 m) |
| Weight | 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
Early Life
Jake Knapp was born and raised in Costa Mesa, California. His parents, Jennifer and Robert Knapp, introduced him to golf at a young age. He also has an older brother, Ryan, who played college golf. Jake started playing at the Costa Mesa Country Club and made headlines in high school when he shot a round of 58. He attended Estancia High School and won the 2012 CIF Individual Sectional Championship. While he also played basketball and baseball, he chose to focus on golf. His late grandfather, Gordon Bowley, was one of his biggest inspirations and is honored with a “GSFB” tattoo on Jake’s arm.
Education
| School | Estancia High School, Costa Mesa, CA |
| University | UCLA (2012–2015, did not graduate) |
| Qualification | Left college early to turn professional |
At UCLA, Jake studied history and played on the college golf team. He left during his senior year in 2015 to chase his dream of becoming a professional golfer after qualifying for the U.S. Open.
Family
| Parents | Jennifer Knapp (mother), Robert Knapp (father) |
| Siblings | Ryan Knapp (older brother) |
Jake comes from a close-knit family that supported his career from the beginning. His parents worked at a printing company and helped nurture his interest in sports.
Relationship
| Girlfriend | Makena White (since August 2023) |
| Children | None |
Jake has been dating Makena White, a Canadian medical sales rep, since August 2023. She became known to the public during Jake’s win at the 2024 Mexico Open. The couple has been seen together at several tournaments, including the 2025 Cognizant Classic and 3M Open.
Career Highlights
Jake Knapp turned professional in 2016 and spent several years playing on PGA Tour Canada, where he won three times. He earned his PGA Tour card in 2023 after finishing 13th on the Korn Ferry Tour points list.
In 2024, he made a breakthrough by winning the Mexico Open, despite hitting only two fairways in the final round—a rare feat in PGA history. He gained even more attention in 2025 when he shot a bogey-free 59 at the Cognizant Classic, becoming just the 15th player in PGA Tour history to do so.
He also won the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed-team event, alongside golfer Alexa Pano. Other strong showings include a third-place finish at the 3M Open and a fourth-place finish at the Rocket Classic, where he shot a round of 61.
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth | $1–3 million (as of 2025) |
| Income Sources | PGA Tour earnings, brand endorsements |
| Known Assets | Home in Scottsdale, Arizona |
Jake Knapp’s net worth is estimated between $1 and $3 million, mainly from tournament winnings and sponsorships. As of 2025, he has earned over $6 million on the PGA Tour. He is a PXG-sponsored player and also uses Titleist gear.
Controversies
Jake Knapp has stayed away from major controversies. He was briefly in the spotlight when his girlfriend Makena skipped work to attend his historic round at the 2025 Cognizant Classic, but it didn’t affect his public image. He is known for being focused on his sport and maintaining a clean reputation.