Lifelong Anaheim Ducks Fan Jake Knapp Lands Sponsorship Deal Ahead of Masters

Knapp's California roots and chance meeting with Ducks executives led to unique partnership for PGA Tour rookie.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golfer mid-swing and a hockey player mid-stride, with sharp, overlapping planes of teal, orange, and navy blue, conceptually representing the crossover between the two sports.The unique partnership between a lifelong Ducks fan and his favorite NHL team represents the intersection of hockey and golf.Costa Mesa Today

Jake Knapp, a 32-year-old PGA Tour rookie from Costa Mesa, California, has secured a sponsorship deal with his lifelong favorite NHL team, the Anaheim Ducks, ahead of his debut at the Masters tournament. Knapp, who grew up playing at the local Costa Mesa Country Club, randomly met Ducks general manager Bob Murray and team president Tim Ryan on the golf course a few years ago, leading to the unique partnership.

Why it matters

The sponsorship deal between Knapp and the Ducks is a rare and exciting opportunity for a young golfer to represent a professional sports franchise, especially one as iconic as the Ducks. It highlights the crossover appeal between hockey and golf, as well as the power of personal connections in securing sponsorships in the sports world.

The details

After turning professional in 2023 and earning his PGA Tour card, Knapp will be wearing the Ducks' logo on his shirt collar and golf bag during the Masters tournament. The team is also hosting a giveaway for fans to win Knapp's signed golf bag. Knapp's sponsorship deal with the Ducks came about after he randomly played a round of golf with Murray and Ryan at his local course, where he got to know them over time before officially inking the partnership in 2020.

  • Knapp turned professional in 2023.
  • Knapp secured the sponsorship deal with the Ducks in 2020.

The players

Jake Knapp

A 32-year-old PGA Tour rookie from Costa Mesa, California, who is a lifelong fan of the Anaheim Ducks.

Bob Murray

The former general manager of the Anaheim Ducks.

Tim Ryan

The president of the Anaheim Ducks.

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What’s next

The Anaheim Ducks will be hosting a giveaway for one lucky fan to receive Knapp's signed golf bag ahead of the Masters tournament.

The takeaway

The unique sponsorship deal between Jake Knapp and the Anaheim Ducks showcases the power of personal connections in the sports world and the crossover appeal between hockey and golf. It's an exciting opportunity for a young PGA Tour rookie to represent an iconic NHL franchise.