Joe Highsmith clinched his first PGA Tour title with an impressive performance during the final rounds of the Cognizant Classic held at PGA National in Florida.
After struggling initially, the 24-year-old golfer made a crucial five-foot putt on the last hole to secure his place for the weekend, starting out eight strokes behind the leader. However, Highsmith made a stunning comeback, finishing the tournament with back-to-back rounds of seven-under par 64, totaling 19 under and achieving the lowest final 36-hole score in the event’s history for a two-shot victory.
This victory marks the first time in nine years a player on the PGA Tour has won after making the cut on the number, a feat previously accomplished by Brandt Snedeker at the 2016 Farmers Insurance Open. Highsmith’s accomplishment places him in an elite group that includes Rory McIlroy, who has also achieved this milestone in the past two decades.
Highsmith termed his bogey-free fourth round as “probably the best of my life,” noting that four birdies in five holes starting from the ninth were pivotal to his success.
Despite entering the tournament with hopes of a wire-to-wire victory, overnight leader Jake Knapp faltered on the 11th hole after opting to play from the water, resulting in a triple-bogey seven that cost him the lead.
Highsmith ultimately finished two shots ahead of Jacob Bridgeman and JJ Spaun, who registered impressive rounds of 64 and 66. Max McGreevy and Ben Griffin ended three strokes back, tied for fourth place.
Despite carding a historic 59 in the opening round, Knapp found himself tied for sixth after a final-round score of 72. Jordan Spieth placed tied for ninth, while Shane Lowry concluded the tournament tied for 11th at 13 under.
With his victory, Highsmith earns automatic entry into the PGA Tour’s Signature Events for the remainder of the season, including an invitation to The Masters for his major debut next month and a spot at the PGA Championship.
What’s Next?
The PGA Tour remains in Florida for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, taking place at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is set to compete, alongside Rory McIlroy. Coverage will commence at 12:30 PM, with full coverage starting at 7 PM.
