Jake Knapp's Unlikely NHL Sponsorship: From Costa Mesa to PGA Tour Stardom Jake Knapp, a lifelong fan of the Anaheim Ducks, has turned his passion for hockey into a unique partnership with the NHL team, despite his own career as a professional golfer. The 29-year-old, who hails from Costa Mesa, Calif., has made headlines for his unexpected sponsorship deal with the Ducks, a relationship that began during his early days on the golf course and has since evolved into a significant endorsement. Knapp’s journey from a local golf club to the PGA Tour and the Masters Tournament highlights the intersection of his personal fandom and professional success. Knapp’s connection to the Ducks began in his childhood, as he grew up in Costa Mesa, a city just over 13 miles from the Honda Center, the team’s home arena. Born on May 31, 1994, he spent his formative years playing golf at the local Costa Mesa Country Club, where he developed a deep appreciation for the sport. His early exposure to the Ducks came through regular attendance at games, and the team became a central part of his life. However, his path to the PGA Tour was anything but straightforward. After playing college golf at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Knapp joined the Korn Ferry Tour in 2016, a developmental league for aspiring PGA Tour players. It was during this time that his relationship with the Ducks took an unexpected turn. In 2020, Knapp secured a sponsorship with the Ducks, a partnership that was both a personal and professional milestone. The deal was facilitated by his longstanding friendship with the team’s former general manager, Bob Murray, and then-president Tim Ryan. Knapp first met Murray and Ryan while playing a round of golf at his local country club, where he was paired with the two executives.#anaheim_ducks #masters_tournament #korn_ferry_tour #jake_knapp #costa_mesa
Matt Fitzpatrick Seeks Third PGA Tour Victory at Valspar Championship Matt Fitzpatrick is aiming for his third PGA Tour title at the Valspar Championship, with the tournament entering its final round. The English golfer, who has been in strong form this season, is currently tied for fourth at -8 heading into his Sunday afternoon tee time. Fitzpatrick’s performance has been notable, as he recently advanced to the 18th hole at The Players Championship before falling to Cameron Young. This week, he looks to secure a win that would solidify his position as one of the top contenders in the 2026 season. So far, Fitzpatrick has participated in six events, made six cuts, and recorded three top-15 finishes, showcasing his consistency and ability to compete at the highest level. Adrien Dumont de Chassart, referred to as Chassart in the tracking report, faces a more challenging path to victory. Starting five shots behind the leader at -6, Chassart would need an exceptional Sunday to make a late surge. The French golfer, who has struggled with consistency in 2026, has finished T26 or better in three events but missed two cuts in his six tournaments. For a player who primarily competed on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, a strong performance this week could mark a significant step forward in his PGA Tour career. The tournament’s final round has seen dramatic swings in both players’ fortunes. Fitzpatrick, who has been playing with a steady rhythm, has managed to stay within striking distance of the lead. His early rounds have been marked by strategic decisions and clutch putting, particularly on par-5 holes where he has capitalized on opportunities to extend his lead.#the_players_championship #valspar_championship #matt_fitzpatrick #adrien_dumont_de_chassart #korn_ferry_tour
