Catching Up With USNJT Member Ryleigh Knaub

As a member of the U.S. National Junior Team and a U.S. National Development Program Grant Recipient in 2024 and 2025, Ryleigh Knaub, of Debary, Fla., has had a remarkable journey filled with growth, challenges and memorable experiences. From her recent trip to Chile to compete in the South American Amateur to committing to Louisiana State University for collegiate golf, Knaub reflected on her journey, the lessons she’s learned and what fuels her passion for the game.

Q: How was your experience in Chile competing in the South American Amateur where you placed 10th against a solid field, and what did you learn from the experience?

Knaub: Chile was amazing. Just insane, honestly. I would’ve never gone to Chile at this age if it wasn’t for the U.S. National Junior Team. The views from the golf course, with the Andes Mountains as a backdrop, were absolutely beautiful.

The coaches were incredible. They really focused on preparing us during the practice rounds, showing us how to hit specific shots and work on tough up-and-downs. It was a lot to take in, almost like our [two] training camps, where you learn so much it’s hard to remember everything. I tried to write everything down to make sure I didn’t miss anything!

It wasn’t just about the scenery or the competition, it was about learning and growing as a golfer. The trip was an experience I’ll never forget, and it made me realize how fortunate I am to have these opportunities.

Q: You’ve been part of the U.S. National Junior Team for just more than a years now, what has the experience been like?

Knaub: It’s been incredible. I didn’t know much about the program at first, but when Coach [Chris] Zambri came to watch me practice, it all started to sink in. Being part of the team has been incredible, and the camps have been the highlight for me. They’re intense, but so worth it. I’ve learned more during those camps than in many of my tournaments. The coaches are amazing. They teach us everything from shot preparation to handling tough up-and-downs.

The amount of knowledge they share is almost overwhelming, but it’s so valuable. You just want to soak it all in. It’s completely changed how I approach my game, and it has made me a much better player.

Q: What’s been your biggest improvement since joining the program?

Knaub: Definitely my putting. I’ve learned to use tools like strokes-gained metrics, which I never paid much attention to before. It’s helped me see where I need to improve, like proximity to the hole, instead of expecting to sink every 25-footer.

The coaches have emphasized analyzing data objectively. For example, in Chile, I thought I had putted terribly, but when I reviewed the stats, I realized I had actually gained strokes compared to PGA Tour averages. That perspective has been a game-changer.

Q: Who has had the biggest impact on you this year?

Knaub: There are so many people who have made a difference, but I’d say Mo Martin stands out the most. I first met her at one of our camps, and it was a polite, “Nice to meet you” interaction. Then, she showed up at the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship [in California], where I had a rough time with a caddie who didn’t know the course. Mo stepped in and offered to help, which was incredible coming from someone with her accomplishments. (Martin played at UCLA and won the 2014 AIG Women’s British Open.)

She didn’t just help with logistics, she completely changed my mindset. After rounds, she’d spend an hour helping me with my putting stroke and giving me a mental boost. I’m generally a positive person, but when you’re not playing well, it’s easy to fall into negativity. Mo helped me see things differently: focus on doing the best you can and stop comparing yourself to others. That advice was a game-changer for me, and her willingness to invest so much time and effort showed how much she genuinely cares about helping juniors grow and succeed.

Q: What’s the culture like with your teammates, and how have you gotten closer to those you compete with?

Knaub: The culture on the U.S. National Junior Team is amazing and completely different from when we were just competitors at events. Before, I’d see my peers as friendly rivals. We’d say hi and be nice, but deep down, we all wanted to beat each other. It was hard to see past that competitive nature.

The camps changed everything. Being on the same team gave us a new platform to connect without the pressure of competition. We’re willing to share information, help each other with our games, and really support one another. Now, I know these girls so personally and deeply, and it’s not about hoping someone plays poorly so I can win. It’s, “I hope you play freaking amazing, and I just hope I play better.” That mindset has built such a strong bond among us, and I know many of these teammates will be with me on [the LPGA Tour] someday.

Q: Your vibrant personality stands out both on and off the course. How do you stay so upbeat and focused, even when competing at such a high level?

Knaub: I think it comes down to just having fun and enjoying the journey. Golf can be so intense, but I try not to let the pressure get to me. One of my teammates, Scarlett [Schremmer], said something that really stuck with me: “It doesn’t matter what your ranking is, you’re doing you, and you look like you’re having a blast.” Hearing that was so cool because it reminded me to focus on what matters: having fun and doing my best.

I also had the chance to meet [LPGA Tour winner] Angel Yin during a practice round [of the Mizuho America Open at Liberty National in New Jersey], and she gave me a new perspective. She’s such a cool personality -- so confident and happy -- and seeing her be herself while competing with the best showed me that you don’t have to fit a mold to succeed. You can be smiley, upbeat, and still be competitive.

A lot of junior golfers get weighed down by the pressure, but I’ve made it a point to stay positive and not let rankings or results define me. I just want to enjoy the process and smile through it all. When people tell me it looks like I’m having the time of my life, that means so much to me because that’s exactly how I feel.

Q: As a USNDP grant recipient, how has that financial assistance impacted your golf journey?

Knaub: The grant has been a huge help in my development as a golfer. I remember when my dad told me he applied for the program; my parents are teachers, so financial support like this is a big deal for us. Thanks to the grant, I was able to play in the [AJGA Rolex] Tournament of Champions, which I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. It’s allowed me to compete in the events I need to grow as a player.

A lot of the grant went toward covering entry fees, which really add up when you’re playing 8-9 junior events a year, plus amateur and local tournaments. It’s also helped with other aspects of my development, like working with a fitness trainer in the offseason. I feel so fortunate to have this opportunity, and I think programs like this are incredibly important because they give kids who might not otherwise have the chance, the ability to chase their dreams and improve their game.

Q: What are your goals for 2025 and beyond?

Knaub: This year feels a bit different. It’s like the final stretch of my junior golf career. I’ve had some deep conversations with my dad, and I’ve realized that my focus needs to be on becoming the best player I can be right now. I’m not taking my foot off the pedal.

I’m aiming to make the Wyndham Cup again and qualify for the Mizuho Americas Open. My goal is to be as good as, or better than, I’ve been in previous years, even though golf can be such a roller coaster. As I transition to college at LSU, I’ll be focusing on learning from the coaches there and hopefully winning my first event as a freshman. And who knows? Maybe even competing for an SEC Championship or Nationals.

Golf is unpredictable, but I believe that if I stay focused and work hard, I can achieve anything.