Jake Knapp putting Byron Nelson competitors to sleep with fiery round of golf

Knapp leading the CJ CUP Byron Nelson, eyeing his second title on the PGA Tour this season.

Jake Knapp fired off another 7-under 64 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch to lead the field 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 lead the field during the first two days. Knapp has been laser-focused with his putter this week, as this track seems to fit his eye.

“The greens are very pure. We were talking about how well the greens held up yesterday afternoon,” Knapp said after his round. “Even with the rain in the morning, they were really nice.”

His flat stick had not been as cooperative as it was early on in the season, but after two days of play in Texas, Knapp seems to have regained some confidence.

“Early on in the year, felt like I was putting well, and for the last month or so, the stroke felt the same, and the ball wasn’t going in the hole,” he explained. “So just put a little bit more of a premium the last couple weeks on green reading. Yeah, nice to see a few more going in.”

He started his day on the back nine and made four birdies in five holes to make the turn in 31. A bogey on the 3rd did not phase him as Knapp birdied the 4th with a 32-footer.

Knapp would make three birdies in his final five holes to record his second straight 7-under round.

The 2024 Mexico Open winner sits at No. 2 in strokes gained approach to the green, picking up 5.787 strokes. He also leads the field in strokes gained total, picking up 9.563 shots on the field.

His approach game has been phenomenal. Knapp has hit 32-of-36 greens in regulation and is 4-of-4 scrambling.

That has allowed the former UCLA Bruin to get away with only hitting 18 of 28 fairways.

Heading into the weekend, he does not plan on changing anything.

“Keep doing the same,” Knapp said. “Scores are going to be low. Course is pure. Unless the wind starts blowing, numbers are going to keep going up. So, yeah, just got to keep the pedal down and keep trying to make birdies.”

He will keep his head down and continue playing this course like he did Thursday and Friday.

“Courses like this where scores are going to be low, you don’t worry too much about what other guys are doing,” he said. “You try to make a bunch of birdies. It’s a course that fits me well, so if I just keep doing the things I’m doing, I’ll be in a good spot.”

Knapp has three top 10s on the season and is eying another strong finish as he continues to make the best of his rookie season.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.