Missing the cut in the Waste Management Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale proved to be the final appearance for PGA TOUR star Colt Knost as he announced his retirement from professional golf.
Knost looked set to have a big future on tour when he won the US Amateur Championship at the Olympic Club in 2007 and was ranked as the best amateur player in the world, but the now 34-year-old has called time on his playing days after failing to fulfil that promise.
Colt Knost goes for Phoenix Open
Colt Knost missed the cut by one shot in the Phoenix Open after rounds of 70 and 72, and immediately took to social media to announce that he was ending his time as a professional on the PGA TOUR circuit.
“It’s been a hell of a ride!!” Knost wrote on his Instagram page. “Can’t thank all my family, friends, and sponsors for all of their support over the years! I had the greatest job in the world for a very long time! Gonna miss competing out on the @pgatour with all my boys! Time for the next chapter!”
It might have seemed fitting that Colt Knost chose to end his career at the Phoenix Open, played in his hometown of Scottsdale, but it was actually the end of the road for his PGA TOUR card and prompted his decision to quit golf.
Knost needed to win the Phoenix Open to retain his place on the PGA TOUR as the Phoenix Open, which was the final event of his medical exemption period granted due to a length lay off with wrist trouble. When he missed the cut, the time clearly seemed right to make it a permanent exit.
What’s next for Colt Knost?
The next chapter Knost refers to in his social media post looks like being on the other side of the ropes working for CBS on their golf coverage of the PGA TOUR after accepting a contract with the broadcaster.
Knost also hosts a radio show on Sirius XM and his future now lies in the media tent rather than the players’ tent.
Discussing his decision with the Golf Channel, Knost said: “I just don’t want to go play that other tour [Korn Ferry Tour] anymore. It’s been fun, but I’m kind of over it even though I still love playing.
“The game has just changed so much. Guys hit it so far, and I don’t. But you know, I’m excited for what I have ahead. It’s going to be fun. But, of course, I’m going to miss playing.”
Colt Knost’s legacy
Knost won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour, the second tier of United States golf, but both came back in 2008 in his first year as a professional.
Those wins came in the Fort Smith Classic and Price Cutter Charity Championship and ironically the latter was a four-shot victory over Webb Simpson, who won the Phoenix Open on Sunday.
Knost made 199 starts on the PGA TOUR in total and his best result came at the 2016 Players Championship when he finished tied third behind winner Jason Day before suffering the wrist injury that has hampered him in recent years.
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