Here’s what you need to know from a long Friday at TPC Scottsdale.
If this is our final PGA Tour event, we can at least say we made it to one more weekend.
We are Jim Knous, 34, and we are currently 4 under in our second round at the WM Phoenix Open. We find ourselves inside the cutline at 3 under overall with four holes remaining.
It has been quite a journey to get to this point. We earned our way into the tournament on Monday at Pinnacle Peak Country Club, shooting an impressive 7-under 65. We advanced through a 4-for-3 playoff, securing our spot in the event.
As we reflect on our career, it’s important to mention that we are the most successful player to come out of Colorado School of Mines. We take pride in representing our alma mater. Notably, Marty Jertson, Ping’s vice president of fitting and performance, also attended Colorado School of Mines. Marty has always taken an interest in our game, and we have been fortunate to play with Ping equipment throughout our career.
Our journey on the PGA Tour began at the 2017 WM Phoenix Open. It took us seven years after turning pro before we finally earned our Tour card for the 2019 season. Since then, we have made 44 Tour starts and have competed in nearly 100 more events on the Korn Ferry Tour over our 11 years as a professional golfer.
However, the grind of being on the fringes of the pro game has taken its toll. We recently failed to get through Q-School, which served as a turning point for us. We realized it was time to utilize our civil engineering degree and pursue a new opportunity.
“A moment he’ll never forget ❤️ Monday qualifier @JimmyHardK holes it from the bunker to move onto the cut line.”
– PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 9, 2024
While this may be our last tournament, we have cherished every moment. We have our college coach, Tyler Kimble, on our bag at TPC Scottsdale, and our wife, Heidi, along with our three kids, have been supporting us throughout the tournament. Our father, Jim, and mother, Ellen, were among our dedicated supporters walking with us on Friday afternoon.
A highlight of our second round came when we holed out a bunker shot for birdie at the 18th hole. The elation we felt was pure joy, and we couldn’t help but raise our arms to the sky in celebration. We continued our momentum by birdieing the next three holes. It seems that our journey may not end just yet if we can maintain this strong finish.
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey. We are truly grateful for the support we have received. As we prepare to transition into a new phase of our life, we look forward to embracing the role of being a dad. This week, we are savoring every moment and simply enjoying the experience, regardless of the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jim Knous’s professional background?
Jim Knous is a professional golfer who turned pro in 2012. He has played on the PGA Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour, accumulating 44 Tour starts and nearly 100 additional starts on the Korn Ferry Tour.
Where did Jim Knous attend college?
Jim Knous attended Colorado School of Mines, where he competed in collegiate golf. He was a standout player and came close to winning the NCAA Division II title in 2012.
What is Marty Jertson’s connection to Jim Knous?
Marty Jertson is the vice president of fitting and performance at Ping. He also attended Colorado School of Mines, which is where Jim Knous played golf in college. Marty has long taken an interest in Jim Knous’s game and has been supportive throughout his career.
What led Jim Knous to make the decision to retire from professional golf?
After failing to get through Q-School and facing the challenges of being on the fringes of the pro game, Jim Knous decided it was time to pursue a new opportunity. He will be utilizing his civil engineering degree in his future endeavors.
What are Jim Knous’s plans after retiring from professional golf?
Jim Knous will be starting a new position working at Ping. He is excited to embark on a new chapter of his life and will be focusing on being a dad and enjoying time with his family.
How many nights did Jim Knous spend on the road in 2022?
Jim Knous spent 197 nights on the road in 2022, traveling for golf tournaments and competitions.
Will Jim Knous continue to be involved in golf in any capacity?
While Jim Knous will no longer be competing professionally, he may still have involvement in the golf industry. His work at Ping will likely keep him connected to the sport he loves.
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