PGA Tour rookie Jake Knapp surged into the lead at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament after a stellar second round, carding a seven-under par 64 to reach a total of 14-under 128 at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas.

Knapp's impressive performance included birdies on four of his last six holes, showcasing his confidence and skill on the course. Reflecting on his round, Knapp expressed satisfaction with his solid ball-striking and ability to keep the ball in favorable positions.

England's Matt Wallace, who led after the first round with a 63, now shares second place with American Troy Merritt at 129. Merritt closed out his round with a spectacular 16-foot eagle putt on the ninth hole to post the day's lowest score of 62.

Despite the pressure of being in contention, Knapp remains composed, drawing on his previous experiences and focusing on his own game plan. His recent victory at the Mexico Open has instilled confidence in his ability to perform under pressure.

Knapp's birdie barrage in the latter part of his round was fueled by improved green reading, a skill he has been honing in recent weeks. His consistent putting performance has been a key factor in his success.

A former nightclub bouncer turned professional golfer, Knapp's journey to the PGA Tour exemplifies his determination and dedication to his craft. Despite facing challenges along the way, he remained steadfast in pursuing his dream of competing at the highest level.

As the tournament progresses, Knapp remains committed to maintaining his aggressive approach and capitalizing on scoring opportunities. With low scores expected on the course, he emphasizes the importance of staying focused and continuing to attack pins.

While Knapp leads the pack, notable players like defending champion Jason Day and three-time major winner Jordan Spieth faced mixed fortunes. Day made the cut on the number at 136, while Spieth missed out with a score of 138.

Among the standout performers is English amateur Kris Kim, who, at just 16 years old, made the cut after shooting a commendable 67 in the second round. Kim's achievement marks him as the youngest player to make a PGA Tour cut since 2015.

As the tournament unfolds, Knapp looks to maintain his momentum and secure his position atop the leaderboard, while challengers aim to close the gap and contend for the title.