The Bear Trap at PGA National wasn’t much of a bear early in the week, and it was quickly tamed with a near record tying round by Jake Knapp on Thursday. The course was softened by rain earlier in the week however the real difference was in how the course was set up compared to prior years. It was apparently over seeded (no Bermuda grass) and the rough was cut back significantly vs. prior years. It showed when Jack Knapp went out Thursday and found himself 12-under through 15 holes. He nearly birded the 18th hole to shoot 58 and settled for a 13-under round of 59. He held strong through 56 holes as he looked to notch a wire-to-wire victory, a tough task with many players going low over the weekend.

The weekend and especially Sunday presented tougher conditions, notably so on the back nine but that didn’t stop Joe Highsmith from making a run. Highsmith mounted an amazing comeback, shooting a final round 64 and win his first ever PGA Tour event. Highsmith made a 4-foot putt on Friday to make the cut on the number before firing back to back 64’s on the weekend. -14 in two days is quite a feat, even if PGA National was softened vs. prior years. For a second week in a row we saw a first timer win which is great for the game and was fun to watch.

This week ramps up with the Arnold Palmer Classic at Bay Hill, the fourth signature event of the season where Scottie Scheffler aims to defend his title. It will run parallel to the Puerto Rico Open, which will make for a busy week of PGA Tour golf and a great week to be a fan.

We have some great content in store for this week, but wanted to highlight our latest article at the famed Seminole Golf Club, complete with many pictures. Check it out: Seminole Golf Club: A Donald Ross Masterpiece with an Old World Charm.