Former nightclub bouncer Jake Knapp lands $1.5MILLION prize after sealing maiden PGA Tour win at Mexico Open

American rookie Jake Knapp, who worked as a nightclub bouncer only a few years ago, secured his maiden victory on the PGA Tour on Sunday.

The 29-year-old, who took a job in security three years ago after failing to win a tour card, secured a two-shot win at the Mexico Open.

It was only his ninth PGA Tour start and victory earned Knapp nearly $1.5million in prize money - and a spot at the Masters in April. Heading into the event, his career earnings on the PGA Tour were $562,132.

Knapp had earlier lost a four-shot lead in seven holes before holding it together to close with an even-par 71 and win the Mexico Open at Vidanta.

'I didn't necessarily have my best stuff today, that's for sure,' Knapp said.

'I knew it was going to be nerve-wracking. I knew it was going to be tough,' the American rookie added.

American rookie Jake Knapp secured his maiden victory on the PGA Tour on Sunday

The 29-year-old - a former nightclub bouncer - is showered with water following his win

'But I was super pumped on how I played the finishing stretch.'

Knapp said he still sends a text after each round to his grandfather, who died last year, and this message might require a lot of detail.

He didn't hit a fairway until the eighth hole and found only two the entire round. He never lost the lead, but twice allowed Sami Valimaki of Finland to catch him.

They were tied with six holes to play until Knapp took over, getting up-and-down on four of the next five holes, one of them for birdie. It wasn't easy until the end.

Another big par save on the par-three 17th gave him a two-shot lead going to the par-five closing hole at Vallarta Vidanta. Valimaki, needing eagle to have a chance, hit his drive down the right side, off a cart path and it nestled next to a boundary fence. 

He had to take a penalty drop, effectively ending his chances. Valimaki made par for a 69 to finish runner-up, still a big boost to his rookie season. Valimaki was among the leading 10 players from the European tour to earn PGA Tour cards this year.

Victory at the Mexico Open on Sunday saw Knapp pocket nearly $1.5million in prize money

The American rookie poses with the trophy alongside his girlfriend Makena White