Jake Knapp was 11 shots worse than his opening round at the Cognizant Classic and still stayed in front, curling in a 15-foot birdie putt on his final hole Friday for a 1-under 70 and a one-shot lead over Matthieu Pavon.

Rickie Fowler closed out the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic in style, staying in contention despite Jake Knapp's incredible 59.

After one round of action at the 2025 Cognizant Classic, Jake Knapp is sitting on a score that would be low enough to win this tournament most years. Through 18 holes, however, it is clear that this year at PGA National is nothing like those in the past.