Jake Knapp holds on to claim maiden tour win in Mexico
The rookie saw his four-shot lead disappear but held on to secure victory by two strokes.
![Jake Knapp tees off on the 11th hole during the final round (Fernando Llano/AP)](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/02/26/01/25-7e85055ff8a9492da7a6d4b55bb7d5d9.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Rookie Jake Knapp held on to claim his maiden PGA Tour title, despite seeing his four-shot overnight lead wiped out early in the final round of the Mexico Open.
The 29-year-old American’s level-par 71 was enough to hold off the challenge of Finland’s Sami Valimaki, who hit a closing 69 to finish two shots back.
Knapp saw his four-shot buffer halved as he bogeyed two of the first three holes, Valimaki moving within one with a birdie on the fourth.
The Finn eagled the short par four seventh to draw level as Knapp claimed his first birdie of the day.
He added just one more on the 14th, but Valimaki had dropped three shots by then and could not close the gap again.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre finished six shots back in a tie for sixth after a closing 69, but England’s Matt Wallace – who shared the halfway lead – slipped to tied 33rd with a 74.
Knapp’s win earns him a place at the US Masters, PGA Championship and the five signature events remaining on the PGA Tour.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.