Knapp into round of 32 at U.S. Amateur

Someone asked Jake Knapp what were his expectations heading into the 115th U.S. Amateur being that it was first time playing in the event.

“The same as any event, really. I want to win this week,” Knapp, the former Estancia High golf standout, told reporters after finishing third in stroke play Wednesday at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Ill. “I think my game is definitely there. I’m driving the ball well, which is something you need to do out here, and my wedges are really, really solid. Getting some putts to fall is going to be the main thing, just keeping myself out of trouble. But yeah, I think last week after I played at the Western, it’s not out of the question for me to have a chance to win.”

Knapp, a UCLA senior, reached the semifinals at the Western Amateur, also in Illinois, on Aug. 8.

He’s back in match play at the U.S. Amateur and survived his first match by beating Noah Goodwin of Corinth, Texas in 21 holes in the round of 64.

Knapp will take on Chelso Barrett of Surry, N.H. Thursday morning in the round of 32.

Knapp, with his father, Bob, on the bag, finished third in stroke play after shooting five-under-par 135 (70-65) and dealing with a rain delay.

Knapp has become more experienced with match play during the events he has competed in. But he said, as in stroke play, he must hit shots.

“I think in match play the risk and reward shots change a little bit, so in match play, depending on what your opponent is doing, you’re going to take some more risks,” he said. “If he puts it right down the middle and you’re in trouble and the match isn’t life or death on that hole, then normally you’ll go for a little bit more risky shot, at least I do. Because then also if I pull it off, it kind of gets in your opponent’s head, as well. Definitely playing aggressive for sure, especially around this course. There’s going to be some tough pins, but you can be aggressive if you have good angles off the tee.”

— From staff reports