Jake Knapp took himself out of the field at the second major of the season, as the solo PGA Tour winner will not compete at the PGA Championship in Aronimink
Jake Knapp has once again removed himself from a tournament field this season, as he’ll miss the PGA Championship at Aronimink and second major of the season.
Knapp took himself out of the tournament in Philadelphia due to a thumb sprain injury, allowing Tom Hoge to battle alongside the world’s best players.
Hoge has a singular win on the PGA Tour and will look for his first-ever major trophy at the the return of major championship golf to the Philadelphia region for the first time since 2013 and the region’s first PGA Championship since Gary Player won at Aronimink in 1962.
Knapp also withdrew earlier in the season from a PGA Tour signature event at the Arnold Palmer Invitational due to illness, where Akshay Bhatia earned the trophy.
Knapp also has a solo win on the PGA Tour coming at the 2024 Mexico Open at Vidanta, and will look to play at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson coming off the PGA Championship.
Hoge will compete alongside World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth, who are both hoping to etch their name in history books and earn the career grand slam this year.
Knapp withdrew earlier in the season due to illness
“It would be amazing, right, because it’s just a very, very short list in history,” said Spieth ahead of the tournament, where he’s making his 14th start.
“So, you know, at the same time winning the PGA itself, you get to then play in the PGA for however long they allow you to. I don’t actually know the rules on the PGA. Is it 60? Forever? Or till you’re possibly asked that maybe we celebrate this as your — the same way Augusta does.
“Just winning this tournament in general would be very special. The Ryder Cup’s been such an important part of my life, and The PGA of America, having my instructor that I’ve been with for pretty much my whole career be a PGA of America professional, so there’s many reasons.”
Spieth has been a fan favorite on the PGA Tour for years, as the 13-time PGA Tour winner would join the list alongside just six other players.
“Just go out and get ready for the first hole,” said Spieth. “Get a good game plan in and attack it the way it needs to be attacked.
“My game has been getting better and better. It’s plenty good to have a chance to win. It’s about working my way into contention. I was able to do that a couple weeks ago. Being in the last couple groups this weekend the first time this season. Glad I was there and hopefully I can do that week and do better.”
