Lifelong Anaheim Ducks Fan Joins PGA Tour, Lands Sponsorship

Jake Knapp's California roots and passion for hockey led to a unique partnership with his hometown NHL team.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:49am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes capturing the dynamic motion of a golfer swinging a club and a hockey player shooting a puck, the figures blending into a colorful, energetic composition.A lifelong Anaheim Ducks fan's unique path from the hockey rink to the PGA Tour highlights the crossover appeal of local sports heroes.Costa Mesa Today

Jake Knapp, a professional golfer from Costa Mesa, California, has landed a sponsorship deal with the Anaheim Ducks, the NHL team he has supported his entire life. Knapp's background in hockey, which shares similarities with golf in terms of body rotation and club/stick contact, has helped propel him to the PGA Tour, where he is set to compete at the prestigious Masters tournament this week.

Why it matters

The partnership between Knapp and the Ducks represents a unique intersection of sports, as a lifelong fan of the hockey team has now become an ambassador for the franchise on the PGA Tour. This type of cross-promotional deal is relatively rare, but it highlights the growing connections between different professional sports leagues and the appeal of local, homegrown athletes.

The details

Knapp, a 28-year-old golfer from Costa Mesa, California, has been a devoted Anaheim Ducks fan since childhood. His background in hockey, which requires similar body mechanics and club/stick contact as golf, has helped him excel on the PGA Tour. The Ducks have now signed Knapp to a sponsorship deal, making him an official ambassador for the franchise as he competes at the Masters and other high-profile golf tournaments.

  • Knapp is set to compete at the Masters tournament this week (April 10-13, 2026).
  • Knapp signed his sponsorship deal with the Anaheim Ducks in March 2026, ahead of the 2026 PGA Tour season.

The players

Jake Knapp

A 28-year-old professional golfer from Costa Mesa, California who is a lifelong fan of the Anaheim Ducks NHL team.

Anaheim Ducks

The NHL hockey team based in Anaheim, California that has signed a sponsorship deal with golfer Jake Knapp.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Growing up in Southern California, the Ducks have always been my favorite team. I'm honored to represent them on the PGA Tour and share my passion for hockey with golf fans around the world.”

— Jake Knapp, Professional Golfer

“Jake Knapp embodies the spirit of our franchise - he's a lifelong fan who has worked tirelessly to achieve his dreams. We're thrilled to partner with him and help introduce the Ducks brand to the golf community.”

— Michael Schulman, CEO, Anaheim Ducks

What’s next

Knapp will make his Masters debut this week, representing the Anaheim Ducks on the PGA Tour's biggest stage.

The takeaway

Knapp's unique partnership with the Ducks showcases the growing crossover between professional sports leagues and the appeal of local athletes who can serve as ambassadors for their hometown teams. This deal highlights the similarities between hockey and golf, and how a lifelong passion can lead to unexpected opportunities.