In an intriguing development ahead of the 2025 Charles Schwab Challenge, rising PGA Tour star Jake Knapp was seen testing a Krank driver on the practice range — the same model famously used by LIV Golf standout and 2020 U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. The sighting immediately sparked interest among fans and analysts, raising questions about potential equipment changes for Knapp and how the long-drive-inspired club might factor into his performance strategy moving forward.
Krank Golf, a brand best known in long-drive circles, rose to mainstream prominence after DeChambeau adopted one of their custom-built drivers in 2023. Known for their ultra-stiff shafts and reinforced clubheads designed to maximize ball speed and distance, Krank drivers have become a go-to for players seeking to push the limits of driving distance. DeChambeau’s use of the Krank driver has led to several viral moments and impressive performances, including monster drives that redefined how PGA and LIV Tour pros approach certain holes.
Now, it appears Knapp may be looking to tap into that same power advantage.
Jake Knapp, who earned his first PGA Tour victory earlier this season and continues to make waves with his aggressive playing style, was spotted working extensively with a Krank driver during his range session at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. Witnesses noted that Knapp seemed to be experimenting with different shaft flexes and launch conditions, closely monitored by his coach and a Krank Golf representative.
“It’s always about finding the best tools to give you the edge,” Knapp said in a brief comment when asked about the driver. “What Bryson’s done with his game, particularly off the tee, has made people rethink what’s possible with equipment. I’m just seeing what’s out there and whether it fits what I’m trying to do.”
Knapp is known for his powerful, athletic swing and aggressive course management, making him a logical candidate to test equipment designed for maximizing distance. The Krank driver, often custom-fitted to optimize swing mechanics and ball speed, could potentially give Knapp an edge at tighter, shorter courses like Colonial — where finding the fairway with length is a premium.
The buzz around Knapp’s trial run with the Krank driver also fuels broader discussions within the golf community about how unconventional equipment is making its way into mainstream play. While the PGA Tour has traditionally leaned toward major equipment brands like Titleist, TaylorMade, and Callaway, a successful run with Krank could open doors for other pros to explore alternatives.
It’s currently unclear whether Knapp will put the Krank driver in play during the Charles Schwab Challenge, but his willingness to test it ahead of a competitive round signals an open-minded and experimental approach that aligns with the new generation of PGA Tour players.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Krank driver appears in Knapp’s bag on Thursday — and if it does, whether it helps him bomb his way to another top finish. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the line between long-drive showmanship and competitive golf continues to blur, and Jake Knapp is right at the forefront of that evolution.
