Garrick Higgo won his second PGA Tour title on Sunday, taking home the Corales Puntacana Championship. The South African grabbed a memorable first win when Joel Dahmen faltered on the last day. Dahmen had led for three consecutive rounds, but the turn completely altered the landscape.
Having proven the strongest performer all tournament long, Dahmen flushed the final round with a three-shot lead. The pressure grew as in short order, he was hit with a number of surprises. A 1-foot par putt missed on the deadly dangerous par-3 17th hole became the defining moment in the battle for gold. This little mistake cost Dahmen a bogey on the hole. He severely compounded that mistake with another bogey on the par-4 18th and doom was done in the championship on Friday.
Higgo, who had been behind, found himself suddenly tied for the lead after Dahmen’s mistake. He was unflappable during the game. Ultimately, he pulled out the victory when Dahmen fell short with an 8-foot par try on the last hole. Higgo played solidly down the stretch, capitalizing on the opportunity provided by Dahmen’s late-game disaster.
The result represents a big accomplishment for the 24-year-old Higgo, who now has two PGA Tour wins. The victory gives him a two-year exemption on the tour, greatly increasing his chances to compete in more tournaments to come.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Tosti, Keith Mitchell, Jeremy Paul, and Michael Thorbjornsen each finished tied for second place in the tournament, showcasing their skills and determination throughout the event. Ben Polland, in his first trip to the mid-am, finished in a tie for 53rd at 1 over par.
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