dailyloe.com – PGA Tour professional Jake Knapp is competing at the Masters this week with a unique sponsor logo on his apparel. The 2026 Masters participant represents the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks through a personal sponsorship deal. This partnership stems directly from Knapp’s lifelong fandom and a fortuitous golf round.
Knapp grew up as a dedicated Anaheim Ducks fan in Costa Mesa, California. He turned professional in 2023 after several seasons on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour. His path to a Ducks sponsorship began earlier during his Korn Ferry Tour participation.
The golfer first connected with Ducks executives during a local round at Costa Mesa Country Club. He was randomly paired with then-General Manager Bob Murray and team President Tim Ryan. Knapp did not initially recognize the high-ranking officials from his favorite franchise.
He developed relationships with both executives over subsequent years. The sponsorship agreement was formally finalized in 2020. This coincided with Knapp’s advancement to the Korn Ferry Tour level.
Knapp’s story highlights the intersection of professional golf and hockey fandom. Many hockey players excel at golf due to similar rotational mechanics. The sports share body rotation and stick-or-club contact principles.
The sponsorship will be visible during Knapp’s Masters Tournament participation this week. He will display Ducks branding on his golf gear throughout the event. This represents a unique cross-sport endorsement arrangement in professional athletics.[]
Source: Yahoo Sports
