Knapp Withdraws from PGA, Hoge Replaces Him

Jake Knapp withdrew from the PGA Championship on Monday, sidelined by a lingering left thumb sprain that will prevent the 31-year-old from competing in the season's second major at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Tom Hoge, the first alternate, steps into Knapp's spot in the 156-player field for the tournament, which begins Thursday.

The injury first surfaced after Knapp tied for 74th out of 82 players at the RBC Heritage in mid-April, his last completed PGA Tour start. He subsequently pulled out of the Cadillac Championship and the Truist Championship, both $20 million signature events, before announcing his PGA withdrawal. Knapp has not publicly commented on the injury's severity or his expected return.

The timing compounds a frustrating interruption for Knapp, who entered the year with strong momentum. He secured seven top-25 finishes in his first eight starts of the 2026 season, including a tie for 11th at the Masters, his best major result. Earlier achievements include a victory at the 2024 Mexico Open and a course-record 59 at the 2025 Cognizant Classic. Ranked 39th in the world, Knapp had climbed as high as No. 36 recently and sat in the top 10 on tour...